Ulimi lwankomo (Cow Tongue Stew)
A rich and tender stew made from slow-cooked cow tongue, often prepared with a flavorful broth and served as a delicacy. This dish highlights the use of offal in Zimbabwean cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 large Cow tongue(cleaned and trimmed)
- enough to cover Water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 medium Onion(quartered)
- 4 cloves Garlic(crushed)
- 2 sprigs Thyme
- 2 Bay leaves
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the cleaned cow tongue in a large pot. Cover with enough water to fully submerge it. Add 1 tsp salt, the quartered onion, crushed garlic, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves.
💡 Tip: Ensure the tongue is completely covered with water. - 2
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until the tongue is very tender. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.
⏱️ 2-3 hours - 3
Carefully remove the tongue from the pot and let it cool slightly. Reserve the cooking liquid.
💡 Tip: The tongue should be tender enough to easily peel. - 4
Once cooled enough to handle, peel off the thick outer skin of the tongue. Discard the skin.
💡 Tip: If the skin is difficult to remove, return the tongue to the hot liquid for a few minutes. - 5
Cut the peeled tongue into bite-sized cubes.
- 6
In the same pot (or a clean one), heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Add the chopped tomatoes and curry powder. Cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 8
Return the cubed tongue to the pot. Pour in about 2 cups of the reserved cooking liquid (or enough to create a stew consistency). Add black pepper.
- 9
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 10
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: This stew is excellent served with sadza or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can add a pinch of paprika or a small amount of tomato paste.
- ✓If you don't have reserved cooking liquid, use beef broth or water.
- ✓Cow tongue can also be prepared by dry-frying after boiling and peeling.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas.
- For a richer stew, stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter towards the end of cooking.