Curried Beef & Sweet Potato Bowls with Cucumber Raita

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb ground beef

  Substitute: Ground turkey or chicken

• 1 medium sweet potato

  Substitute: Butternut squash

• 1/2 medium zucchini

  Substitute: Yellow squash

• 1/2 medium cucumber

  Substitute: None

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt

  Substitute: Greek yogurt

• 1/4 tsp salt

  Substitute: None

• 1/4 tsp pepper

  Substitute: None

• 1/2 tsp paprika

  Substitute: Smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  Substitute: 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/4 tsp (optional) cayenne pepper

  Substitute: Red pepper flakes

• 1 tbsp curry powder

  Substitute: Garam masala

• 1 tbsp olive oil

  Substitute: Vegetable oil

Equipment Needed

• • Large skillet
• • Small bowl
• • Cutting board
• • Chef's knife
• • Spoon

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Raita: In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, 1/4 of the diced cucumber (reserve the rest), a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Mix well and set aside. This sauce will be refreshing to cut the spice from the curry.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes

   Technique: mixing

   
2. 2

   Prepare the vegetables: Dice (cut into small cubes) the sweet potato and zucchini into 1/2-inch pieces. Dice the remaining cucumber.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes

   Technique: chopping

   
3. 3

   Cook the sweet potato: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (heat until a drop of water sizzles in the pan). Add the diced sweet potato and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened (slightly pliable and less firm).

   ⏱️ 10 minutes

   Technique: sautéing

   
4. 4

   Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sweet potato. Break it up with a spoon (separate the meat into smaller pieces). Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned (no longer pink). Drain off any excess fat (pour the fat from the pan).

   ⏱️ 7 minutes

   Technique: browning

   
5. 5

   Add seasonings and zucchini: Stir in the curry powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the diced zucchini. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender (easily pierced with a fork) and the spices are fragrant (aromatic).

   ⏱️ 5 minutes

   Technique: stir-frying

   
6. 6

   Assemble the bowls: Divide the curried beef and sweet potato mixture between two bowls. Top with the cucumber raita and the remaining diced cucumber.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes

   Technique: assembling

   
7. 7

   Serve immediately. Enjoy!

   ⏱️ 1 minute

   Technique: N/A