Mchuzi wa Nyama wa Nazi (Tanzanian Coconut Beef Stew)
A hearty and flavorful beef stew simmered in a rich coconut milk broth, infused with aromatic spices like ginger, garlic, and turmeric. This comforting dish is a staple in Tanzanian homes, often served with rice or ugali.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef(stewing cuts, cubed)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full-fat)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1.5 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 1 Green bell pepper(chopped)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 cups Beef broth or water
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 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.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the turmeric, coriander, and cumin powders. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5
Add the diced tomatoes and chopped green bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes start to break down.
- 6
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth or water, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
- 7
Add the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 8
Stir in the coconut milk. Simmer gently for another 10 minutes, uncovered, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
💡 Tip: Do not boil vigorously after adding coconut milk. - 9
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or ugali.
💡 Tip: A Swahili proverb often associated with this dish is 'Haraka haraka haina baraka' (Hurry, hurry has no blessings), emphasizing the importance of slow cooking for flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can sear the beef in batches.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot.
- ✓This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or yams.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped chili pepper with the tomatoes.