Mchuzi wa Nyama na Viazi Vitamu
A hearty and flavorful stew made with tender chunks of beef, sweet potatoes, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with local spices. A comforting and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 750 g Beef(stewing beef, cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 500 g Sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned diced tomatoes, or 4 fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 500 ml Beef broth
- 2 tsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the beef adds depth of flavor. - 2
Add 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 minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic. - 4
Add the diced tomatoes, curry powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Add more broth or water if needed to cover the meat. - 6
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key for tender beef. - 7
Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 20-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy.
💡 Tip: Stir gently to avoid breaking up the sweet potatoes. - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh finish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a thicker stew, you can mash a few pieces of sweet potato against the side of the pot.
- ✓This stew can be made ahead of time; the flavors deepen overnight.
- ✓Serve with rice, ugali, or crusty bread.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like carrots or cassava.
- For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili pepper along with the garlic and ginger.