Botswana Mabele and Beef Stew
A nourishing and substantial stew combining tender chunks of beef with the wholesome grain of Mabele (sorghum). This dish is a testament to Botswana's agricultural heritage, offering a balanced and filling meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef chuck(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 cup Mabele (Sorghum)(rinsed)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and diced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned, crushed)
- 1.5 liters Beef broth
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon Thyme(dried)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Allow beef to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking for even browning. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches until well-seared on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 7-10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits from the beef. - 4
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine.
- 6
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- 7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. - 8
Add the rinsed sorghum (Mabele) and diced carrots to the stew. Stir well.
- 9
Continue to simmer, covered, for another 45-60 minutes, or until the sorghum is cooked through and tender, and the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
💡 Tip: If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth or water. - 10
Remove the bay leaves. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef in salt, pepper, and a little oil for at least 30 minutes before browning.
- ✓Ensure the sorghum is thoroughly rinsed to remove any dust or debris.
- ✓This stew can be made ahead of time; the flavors often meld and improve overnight.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like potatoes or parsnips along with the carrots.
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper.
- A splash of red wine added with the beef broth can enhance the richness of the stew.