My Special Beef Gravy – A Dish Close to My Heart

Food is more than just taste—it’s about memories, culture, and sometimes even debates at home. One dish that truly defines this for me is my homemade beef gravy. At home, my mother doesn’t eat beef. She often tells me, “This isn’t our culture, it’s not what we follow.” I respect her thoughts, but my view is different. I believe all living beings are equal—if we eat chicken, why avoid beef? Even plants and tiny life forms are living things, yet humans consume them daily. For me, it’s about choice, and my choice is simple: I enjoy beef, even if it’s only once in a while. Usually, on a Sunday, I buy half a kilo or sometimes a kilo of fresh beef. After cleaning it carefully, I chop it into small pieces, ready for the pot. I start with a splash of oil in a pan, add chopped onions, curry leaves, and tomatoes. As the aroma builds, I mix in my homemade masala blend—chilli powder, curry powder, and a few other spices that give the dish its soul. Once the masala is cooked down, I add the beef pieces and some water, letting it simmer on a gentle flame. Slowly, the meat absorbs all the flavors, softening until it’s perfectly tender. When the gravy thickens, I know it’s ready. I always enjoy this dish with rice. The rich, spicy gravy blending with hot rice is a flavor I can’t compare to anything else. Maybe my mother doesn’t eat it, but for me, it’s a reminder that food is also about personal taste and beliefs. For me, beef gravy isn’t just food—it’s freedom on a plate.