Hen'omby Ritra
Madagascar Simmered Beef
Hen'omby Ritra is a classic Malagasy dish of tender, slow-simmered beef, infused with the aromatic flavors of ginger, garlic, and tomato. It's a simple yet deeply satisfying stew, traditionally served with rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef chuck roast(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 1 tbsp Cooking oil(peanut oil recommended)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(peeled and chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fresh ginger(peeled and grated)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes
- 2 cups Water(or as needed)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- Cooked white rice(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides, working in batches if necessary.
💡 Tip: Browning the meat develops deeper flavor. - 2
Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the chopped garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic. - 4
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 5
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add 2 cups of water, or enough to mostly cover the meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
💡 Tip: Add more water if the liquid evaporates too much during cooking. - 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to reduce it, or thicken with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water).
- 7
Serve the Hen'omby Ritra hot over cooked white rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a fatty cut of beef like chuck roast ensures tenderness.
- ✓Ginger is a key aromatic in Malagasy cuisine; use fresh for the best flavor.
- ✓This dish can be made ahead of time; the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include a splash of soy sauce for added umami.
- A pinch of chili flakes can be added for a touch of heat.