Kenyan Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes
A hearty and flavorful beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef simmered with sweet potatoes, carrots, and aromatic spices. This comforting dish is a staple in many Kenyan households, offering a delicious blend of savory and slightly sweet notes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef chuck roast(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Fresh ginger(chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 2 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 2 large Sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 large Carrots(peeled and cut into chunks)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Remove the beef and set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the meat in batches ensures a good sear and prevents steaming. - 2
Add the chopped onions to the same pot and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the chopped garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- 5
Add the curry powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
💡 Tip: Toasting the spices briefly enhances their flavor. - 6
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add salt. Bring the stew to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits, which add flavor. - 7
Add the carrots and sweet potatoes. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally.
💡 Tip: Adjust simmering time based on the tenderness of the beef. - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: Serve with ugali, rice, or chapati.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot towards the end of cooking.
- ✓Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans.
- ✓If you don't have beef broth, water can be used, but the flavor will be less intense.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of coconut milk in the last 30 minutes of simmering for a creamier stew.
- Include a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.