Malian Lamb and Vegetable Stew (Tiguere Na)
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender lamb simmered with a medley of vegetables in a rich, spiced tomato-based broth. This dish showcases the depth of Malian cuisine with its aromatic spices and wholesome ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(freshly grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned, diced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 2 medium Sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 large Bell pepper(deseeded and chopped)
- 6 cups Water or lamb broth
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 2 tsp Coriander
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lamb cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onions to the same pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and the tomato paste is well incorporated.
- 4
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the chopped carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell pepper. Pour in the water or lamb broth, ensuring the meat and vegetables are mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if the stew becomes too dry.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the lamb in the spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked sweet potatoes against the side of the pot.
- ✓Serve with couscous, rice, or a side of fufu for a complete Malian meal.
🔄 Variations
- Substitute beef or chicken for lamb.
- Add other vegetables like okra, eggplant, or green beans.
- For a spicier stew, add more cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper.