Beef curry with crispy noodles
Ingredients
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp fenugreek seeds
2 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
1 tbsp vegetable oil
500g/1lb 2oz cubed fillet steak
2 onions, sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 small red bird's-eye chillies, finely chopped
1 x 400g/14oz can chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp turmeric
250ml/10½fl oz beef stock
1 x pack thick rice noodles, broken into 7cm/3in pieces

To serve
basmati rice, cooked according to packet instructions
lime wedges

Preparation method

1. Gently dry-fry the spices in a large frying pan over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and toasted. Transfer to a pestle and mortar and grind together.

2. In same pan, heat the oil and add the steak pieces. Fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown all over.

3. Add the onion. Reduce the heat and gently fry for 10-12 minutes, until soft and golden-brown.

4. Add the garlic and chillies and fry for 2 minutes.

5. Add the ground spice mixture, tomatoes, ginger and turmeric and bring to the boil.

6. Add the stock and bring back to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 25 minutes, until thickened.

7. Return the meat to the sauce and allow to warm through.

8. Meanwhile, for the noodles, heat the oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns brown when dropped in it.

9. Add the noodles to the oil in small batches and fry for 1-2 minutes, or until they puff up and become crisp.

10. Carefully remove the cooked noodles from the oil and drain on kitchen paper.

11. To serve, place a large spoonful of basmati rice onto each plate and spoon the curry over or alongside.

12. Place a small handful of the crispy noodles onto the curry and serve with lime wedges on the side.