Kenyan Beef and Vegetable Stew
A hearty and flavorful beef stew, slow-cooked with a medley of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes, infused with aromatic spices. This comforting dish is a staple in Kenyan households, perfect for a chilly evening.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Beef chuck roast(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(fresh, minced or grated)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Hot paprika(optional, for heat)
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 2 large Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 tsp Salt(to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches until nicely seared on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin to break down.
- 4
Add curry powder, paprika, and hot paprika (if using). Stir well and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the cubed potatoes and carrots.
- 6
Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if the stew becomes too thick.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, traditionally with ugali or chapati.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, marinate the beef with some of the spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot.
- ✓Feel free to add other vegetables like green bell peppers or peas towards the end of cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of coconut milk during the last 30 minutes of simmering for a creamy, richer stew.
- Incorporate plantain chunks along with the potatoes and carrots for a traditional 'Ndizi na Nyama' variation.