Dum Keema Recipe Easy and Flavorful Indian Dish Guide

Dum Keema is a classic Indian dish that brings together the rich flavors of spiced minced meat cooked slowly to perfection. This recipe is a celebration of traditional cooking techniques, where the keema (minced meat) simmers gently under a sealed lid, allowing the spices and aromas to deeply infuse every morsel.

Whether served with warm rotis, fluffy naan, or fragrant basmati rice, Dum Keema is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. The slow cooking method, known as ‘dum’, ensures the meat remains tender, juicy, and bursting with vibrant spices.

If you love hearty meals with a hint of exotic flair, this Dum Keema recipe will soon become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dum Keema is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. The slow-cooking method melds the spices beautifully, making the dish fragrant and flavorful without being overpowering.

It’s perfect for meal prepping as the flavors only improve the next day. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with a variety of sides — from fresh salads to Indian breads.

Another reason to love this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust the heat level, add vegetables, or even use different types of minced meat such as lamb, beef, or chicken depending on your preference.

The result is a protein-rich, flavorful dish that fits any occasion.

Ingredients

• 500 grams minced meat (lamb or beef preferred)
• 3 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
• 2 large onions, finely sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1/2 cup fresh yogurt, whisked
• 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
• Juice of half a lemon (optional)

Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai with a tight-fitting lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing bowl for whisking yogurt

Instructions

1. Heat oil in the heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. This step adds a deep sweetness to the keema.
3. Mix in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts separating at the edges, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Stir in turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook the spices for a minute to release their aroma.
6. Add the minced meat and break it up using your spoon. Cook on medium-high heat until the meat changes color and starts to brown slightly, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Lower the heat and add the whisked yogurt slowly, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
8. Add water to adjust the consistency. The keema should be moist but not too watery.
9. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the keema cook on low heat (dum) for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. Once the meat is tender and cooked through, sprinkle garam masala and give it a good mix. Cook for another 2-3 minutes uncovered to let the flavors meld.
11. Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.
12. Serve hot with your choice of Indian bread or rice.

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, use freshly minced meat rather than pre-packaged keema. This ensures tenderness and better flavor absorption.

For a richer taste, you can add a tablespoon of cream or cashew paste towards the end of cooking.

If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of black pepper powder.

You can also incorporate vegetables like peas, diced carrots, or potatoes to make the dish more wholesome and colorful.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Dum Keema pairs beautifully with soft, warm Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. For a lighter meal, enjoy it with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice (cumin rice).

A side of fresh cucumber raita or a tangy salad with onions, tomatoes, and lemon slices complements the rich meat wonderfully.

To add some crunch, serve with crispy papads or a side of pickled vegetables. For a festive meal, pair it with dal tadka and a vegetable curry for a wholesome Indian feast.

Conclusion

Dum Keema is a hearty and flavorful dish that embodies the richness of Indian cuisine through its slow-cooked, spiced minced meat. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate depth of flavor and traditional cooking techniques.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this comforting dish any day of the week.

Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, Dum Keema is sure to impress with its tender texture and aromatic spices. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the spice levels or add your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours.

Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of this delicious keema!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Dum Keema Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful slow-cooked minced meat dish infused with aromatic spices. Perfect as a hearty main course served with rice or bread.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“500g minced lamb or beef”, “2 tbsp oil”, “1 large onion, finely chopped”, “2 tomatoes, pureed”, “1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste”, “2 green chilies, chopped”, “1 tsp cumin seeds”, “1 tsp coriander powder”, “1/2 tsp turmeric powder”, “1 tsp garam masala”, “1/2 cup yogurt”, “Fresh coriander leaves for garnish”, “Salt to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onions and saut\u00e9 until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add minced meat and cook until browned.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in pureed tomatoes, coriander powder, turmeric, and salt; cook for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add yogurt and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle garam masala and cook for another 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “28 g”, “fatContent”: “22 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8 g”}}