Shatkora with Beef Bangladeshi Style

We suggest preparing a dish from Bangladeshi cuisine – Shatkora with Beef Bangladeshi Style. The spicy beef is balanced with the tangy, bitter flavor of shatkora, a type of citrus fruit grown in Bangladesh. If you cannot find shatkora (which is sold fresh or frozen in Bangladeshi grocery stores), it can be substituted with an equal amount of grapefruit or pomelo.

Ingredients:

• ¼ shatkora, fresh or frozen (about 175g)
• 6 tablespoons oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons ginger, chopped
• 1 kg beef or bone-in shoulder, cut into pieces
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 green chili peppers (or 3 if you like it spicy)
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
• 4 cloves
• 1 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 6 cardamom pods
• 1 black cardamom pod
• 1 teaspoon panch phoron (Bengali five-spice mix: fennel, fenugreek, ajwain, mustard, kalonji)
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• A handful of fresh coriander, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the shatkora: If using fresh shatkora, cut it into 4 pieces, removing the seeds. If using frozen shatkora, thaw it in cold water for 1 hour, then cut each piece into 4 parts and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and onions. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions become translucent.
3. Add the beef, salt, whole spices, and green chili peppers. Pour in 250 ml of cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. After 40 minutes, add the ground spices, stirring to coat the beef pieces. Cover and cook for 5 more minutes.
5. Add the shatkora and 250 ml of hot water. Stir once, then cover and cook for 10 minutes on low heat.
6. Pour in 400 ml of hot water and bring to a boil over high heat (do not stir). Simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Add the chopped coriander, cover, and cook on low heat for another 10 minutes or until the meat is tender.
8. Serve with white rice and a side of cucumber, red onion, and tomato salad. Optionally, garnish with fresh coriander.

Your Shatkora with Beef Bangladeshi Style is ready. Enjoy!