Maoiso a Khomo (Braised Beef with Onions)
A simple yet flavorful dish of slow-braised beef, characterized by its tender texture and the sweetness of caramelized onions. Often served as a celebratory meal or a comforting dish during colder months.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Beef brisket(or beef chuck, cut into large pieces)
- 4 large Onions(sliced)
- 6 cups Water
- 2 cubes Beef bouillon cubes(dissolved in 1 cup of hot water)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef pieces on all sides until well-browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- 3
Add the sliced onions to the same pot. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and begin to caramelize, about 10-15 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 4
Return the beef to the pot. Add the 6 cups of water and the dissolved beef bouillon. Bring the liquid to a boil.
- 5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer gently for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and falling apart.
- 6
Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot. If desired, you can shred or pound the meat further with forks or a pestle until it resembles a stringy mince, as is traditional for some preparations.
- 7
Continue to simmer the sauce uncovered for about 15-20 minutes to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- 8
Return the beef to the thickened sauce and stir to coat. Serve hot, often with a side of pap or morogo.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Low and slow cooking is key to achieving incredibly tender beef.
- ✓Don't rush the caramelization of the onions; this step adds significant flavor.
- ✓If you prefer a finer texture, shredding the meat after braising is recommended.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes suggest using leg of lamb instead of beef.
- A touch of curry powder can be added with the onions for a different flavor profile.