Mauritanian Beef Tripe Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew made with beef tripe, vegetables, and aromatic spices, slow-cooked to tender perfection. This dish is a staple in Mauritanian cuisine, often enjoyed during special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef tripe(cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned diced or fresh, chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and chopped)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 liter Water or beef broth(or enough to cover)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the cleaned tripe thoroughly under cold running water.
- 2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- 5
Add the tripe pieces to the pot and stir to coat them with the spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tripe to brown slightly.
- 6
Pour in the diced tomatoes and the water or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently.
- 7
Simmer for at least 2.5 hours, or until the tripe is very tender. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if the stew becomes too dry.
- 8
Add the chopped carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 9
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the stew is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
- 10
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. This stew is often served with couscous or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the tripe is thoroughly cleaned before cooking, as this is crucial for flavor and texture.
- ✓Slow and low cooking is key to tenderizing the tripe. Don't rush the process.
- ✓Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use beef broth instead of water.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like turnips or sweet potatoes.
- Include a bay leaf during the simmering process for added aroma.
- For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper or a fresh chili pepper.