I always worked with the tenderloin cut because I felt the rump would require too much effort. But I have lately discovered how well it lends itself to roasting. In this dish, I pair it with a basic but extremely versatile curry that can be used as the base for an Asian or French dish.

  • Serves

    4

  • Cook Time

    2h

    Plus 15 mins to prep

Ingredients

  • 1 kg buff rump, cut into large cubes
  • 200 gm onion, chopped
  • 50 gm fresh coriander, chopped (stems included)
  • 1 lt stock
  • 50 ml oil
  • 5-6 cloves
  • 2-3 whole cardamoms
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • A few cloves of garlic 

Preparation

  1. Heat a large frying pan to very hot. Season buff cubes with some salt and sear them a few at a time in a little oil until nicely browned. Set aside.
  2. In a stockpot, heat remaining oil and then add the dry spices, allowing them to release their flavour.
  3. Toss in chopped onions and cook until lightly browned.
  4. Add the buff and any stock and cook covered for 45 minutes to an hour. The stock should reduce to half the quantity as the meat cooks. Allow it to reduce further into a thick gravy.
  5. After this, it’s up to you to choose a flavour direction – pour in coconut milk for an Asian-style curry or some reduced red wine and cream for a rich stew.
  6. Eat with a side of rice or mashed or sautéed potatoes.
Viraf Patel

Viraf Patel

Viraf Patel, one of India’s most exciting young chefs, is Scroll Food’s Chef of the Month for July. His culinary adventures, which began fairly early in life, have taken him from Zur Rossweid in Zurich to some of the finest dining establishments in India. Over a career spanning 20 years, he has worked at, or consulted with, Indigo, The Table, The Tasting Room, Salt Water Grill, among other places. He was the Chef-Partner at Café Zoe, before joining Olive Bar & Kitchen in Mumbai as the Executive Chef. His food philosophy is rooted in his belief in truly honest cooking. With a deep knowledge of ingredients and applications, he works to make recipes relevant to our age.

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