Eritrean Siga Alicha (Mild Beef Stew)
A comforting and mild beef stew, Siga Alicha is a staple in Eritrean cuisine, characterized by its gentle spice profile and tender chunks of beef simmered with vegetables.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef stew meat(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(freshly grated)
- 1.5 teaspoons Turmeric powder
- 3 pods Cardamom pods(lightly crushed)
- 2 whole Cloves
- 1 small Cinnamon stick
- 500 g Potatoes(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 4 cups Water or beef broth
- to taste Salt
- for garnish Fresh cilantro(chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the turmeric powder, crushed cardamom pods, whole cloves, and cinnamon stick. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are aromatic.
- 4
Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Pour in the water or beef broth, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
- 6
Add the cubed potatoes and carrots to the pot. Stir to combine, cover, and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 7
Season the stew with salt to taste. If the stew is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. It is traditionally served with injera.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can sear the beef in batches before adding the onions.
- ✓Adjust the amount of turmeric to your preference, but it's key for the mild yellow color.
- ✓Ensure the beef is tender before adding the vegetables to avoid overcooking them.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes.
- For a slightly different aroma, a pinch of cumin can be added with the other spices.