Kudra with Beef
Kudra is a hearty and flavorful stew made with a base of pounded sorghum or millet, mixed with meat and vegetables. This version features tender chunks of beef and is a staple in many South Sudanese households.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Beef(cubed, e.g., chuck or stewing beef)
- 1 cup Sorghum flour or Millet flour(for thickening)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned, diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 4 cups Beef broth or water
- 200 g Okra(fresh or frozen, chopped (optional, but common))
- 200 g Spinach or other greens(chopped (optional))
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- to taste Salt and black pepper
👨🍳 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.
- 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in cumin and coriander, and cook for another 30 seconds.
- 5
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
- 6
In a separate bowl, whisk the sorghum or millet flour with about 1 cup of water until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. This will be used as a thickener.
💡 Tip: The consistency should be like a thin batter. - 7
If using okra and greens, add them to the stew during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- 8
Gradually whisk the flour mixture into the simmering stew. Stir continuously until the stew thickens to your desired consistency. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to ensure the flour is cooked through.
- 9
Season the kudra with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: Kudra is traditionally served with a side of Kisra or eaten on its own.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the beef overnight.
- ✓If you don't have sorghum or millet flour, you can use a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water as a thickener, though it's less traditional.
- ✓Don't overcook the okra if using, as it can become mushy.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots.
- Use lamb or goat meat instead of beef.
- Incorporate chili peppers for a spicier stew.