Siga Wassa Koun
Siga Wassa Koun is a rich and flavorful Malian stew made with tender chunks of beef, simmered in a savory sauce with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. It is often served with rice or millet, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef (stewing cuts like chuck or round)(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 3 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 5 large Tomatoes(roughly chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 Bell peppers (any color)(diced)
- 3 Habanero chilies(whole, or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Soumbala (fermented locust beans)(optional, for authentic flavor)
- 4 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1.5 L Water
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Fennel seeds
- 0.5 tsp Cardamom
- 0.5 tsp Ginger powder
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Add about a quarter of the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic, cumin, fennel seeds, cardamom, and ginger powder. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the roughly chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and soumbala (if using). Stir well to combine.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Pour in 1.5 liters of water, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is beginning to tenderize.
⏱️ 1 hour - 5
Add the remaining chopped onions, diced bell peppers, and whole habanero chilies to the pot. Stir well.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 minutes, or until the beef is very tender and the sauce has thickened. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 7
Serve hot, traditionally with rice or millet porridge (tô).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the beef in spices overnight.
- ✓If you don't have soumbala, you can omit it or use a pinch of MSG for umami.
- ✓Adjust the number of habanero chilies to your preferred level of spiciness.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or eggplant along with the bell peppers.
- For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of peanut butter towards the end of cooking.