Flavorful African Beef Stew – A Hearty and Comforting Delight
This flavorful African Beef Stew is an exquisite blend of tender beef, tomatoes, and a mix of aromatic spices, all simmered to perfection. The rich and delicious stew is ideal for a comforting family dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes. It captures the essence of traditional African cooking with every mouthful.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds (900 grams) beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicier stew)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the beef until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, and optionally cayenne pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aromas.
4. Build the Stew:
Return the seared beef to the pot and add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and peanut butter. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Simmer:
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
6. Add Vegetables:
After 1.5 hours, add the chopped carrots and diced potatoes to the stew. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through and tender.
7. Final Adjustments:
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the stew is too thick, you can add a little more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve:
Ladle the African beef stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with steamed rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth of this traditional African Beef Stew!