Liberian Sembe Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew made with fermented soybean paste (sembe), meat (often beef or goat), and vegetables, simmered in a rich tomato-based broth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef or Goat meat(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 200 g Sembe (fermented soybean paste)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped (optional, for heat))
- 3 tbsp Palm oil or vegetable oil
- 4 cups Water or broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 cup Okra(sliced (optional))
- 1 medium Eggplant(cubed (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides. Remove meat and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 3
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the crushed tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.
- 5
Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the sembe paste and stir well to combine.
- 6
Pour in the water or broth. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 7
If using okra or eggplant, add them during the last 20-30 minutes of simmering.
- 8
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 9
Serve hot with rice, fufu, or other traditional starches.
💡 Tip: The stew thickens as it cools.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Sembe has a strong, unique flavor. If you are new to it, you can start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
- ✓For a smoother stew, you can blend some of the cooked vegetables and sauce before adding the sembe.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your preferred level of heat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other leafy greens like spinach or kale.
- Incorporate other root vegetables like cassava or sweet potatoes.
- Use chicken or fish as the protein.