Djiboutian Beef and Vegetable Stew (Maraq Hilib)
A hearty and flavorful beef stew simmered with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Djibouti.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef chuck(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and chopped)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Zucchini(chopped)
- 1 liter Beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric
- 0.25 teaspoon Cinnamon
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spices are fragrant and the tomatoes begin to break down.
- 4
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged. Season with salt and black pepper.
- 5
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
- 6
Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, and zucchini to the pot. Stir to combine. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the stew is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to thicken. If too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. This stew is traditionally served with rice or flatbread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the beef in some of the spices for 30 minutes before browning.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spices to your preference.
- ✓Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- Incorporate a can of drained chickpeas for added protein and texture.