Traditional Mezbani Beef Curry

Mezbani Mangsho,মেজবান / মেজবানের গোশত, also known as Mejjani, is a cherished traditional dish from Chattogram (Chittagong), Bangladesh. Renowned for its rich, spicy flavours, this dish has been a part of cultural gatherings and celebrations for centuries. Traditionally prepared with beef, this mouthwatering curry can also be made with mutton for an equally delightful experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 2 30

Total Time 2 50

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Bangladeshi

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

3 Kg Meat Cow or Mutton Meat with ribs
1/4 Cup Salt Cooking Salt
1 Cup Water
2 Cup Onion Sliced
2 tbsp Ginger Paste
2 tbsp Garlic Paste
2 tsp Yellow mustard Paste
1 tbsp Nut Paste e.g. almond / peanut
2 tsp Poppy seed Paste
2 tsp Coconut Paste
1-1/2 tsp Fennel seed Powder
1 tsp Black Cumin Sahi jeera Powder
2 tsp Celery seed Powder 1 tsp during, 1 tsp for Later Use
1 tsp Mace and Nutmeg Paste
1 tsp White pepper Powder
3 tsp Coriander Powder
2 tsp Cumin Powder
2 tsp Turmeric Powder
2-3 tbsp Chilli Powder adjust to taste
Additional Salt To taste
2-3 pcs Bay Leaves
7-8 pcs Green Cardamom
4-5 pcs Black Peppercorns
3-4 pcs Cloves
2 inch Cinnamon Stick
1 Cup Mustard Oil Essential for authentic flavour
10-12 pcs Green Chilies
1/3 Cup Fried onion Beresta

Method

Tenderise the Meat

Add 1/4 cup of cooking salt and 1 cup of water to the meat. Mix well and let it rest for 15-30 minutes to tenderise and enhance juiciness.

Prepare Spices and Pastes

Grind and powder the following: celery seeds, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black cumin (sahi jeera), white peppercorns, and fennel seeds.Create individual pastes for mace and nutmeg, nuts, mustard seeds, poppy seeds, and coconut using a little water.

Rinse the Meat

After marination, rinse the meat thoroughly with cold water, draining it well in a colander.

Combine Ingredients

In a large, heavy-bottom pot, combine the meat with all prepared ingredients except for few green chilies, fried onions, and 1 tsp of celery seed powder.Mix everything well using your hands for even coating.

Initial Cooking

Cover the pot and cook on high heat for 10 minutes. Uncover and stir after 10 minutes, ensuring all components are mixed well.

Slow Cook

Cover again and reduce the heat to low. Cook for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the gravy thickens.

Final Touch

Once the beef is cooked, add the green chilies, 1 tsp of celery seed powder, and the fried onions. Mix thoroughly and turn off the heat.Remove whole spices using tongs.

Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to rest for 15-20 minutes. Serve piping hot with naan or steamed rice.

Notes

Important:

To get hold of the celery seeds (wild celery seeds), also known as raduni or randooni in Bengali, can be difficult in local shops. Remember, this is a key ingredient for an authentic mezbani recipe. For your convenience, I have listed these items in my “Amazon influencer Store” Click the link below to easily purchase them.

Click Link : To buy celery seeds

Tips:

Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even cooking.
Add water only if needed; traditionally, no extra water is added.
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Mustard oil is crucial for the authentic taste.
Celery seeds, locally known as raduni, are essential for true mezbani flavour.

Serving Suggestion:

Enjoy this traditional Bangladeshi Mezbani Mangsho with your loved ones during special gatherings or celebrations. Don’t forget to share your experience and feedback!