Nigerian Stewed Beef
A rich and flavorful tomato-based beef stew, a staple in Nigerian cuisine and an essential accompaniment to rice dishes and 'swallow' (pounded yam, fufu, etc.). This recipe focuses on developing deep flavors through careful simmering and frying.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1kg Beef(Use a cut suitable for stewing, such as chuck, brisket, or shin. Cut into 1.5-inch cubes.)
- 6 large Tomatoes(Ripe, fresh tomatoes. Alternatively, use 2 cans (400g each) of crushed tomatoes.)
- 2 medium Onions(1 for boiling the beef, 1 for blending with the tomatoes.)
- 2 large Bell peppers(Red or a mix of red and yellow for sweetness and color. Remove seeds and membranes.)
- 150ml Palm oil or Vegetable oil(Palm oil is traditional and imparts a distinct flavor. Vegetable oil is a good alternative.)
- 3 Seasoning cubes(Maggi or Knorr cubes are commonly used. Adjust to taste.)
- 3 cloves Garlic(Optional, but adds depth of flavor.)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(Optional, fresh ginger adds warmth.)
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper(Freshly ground is best.)
- as needed Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the beef: Rinse the beef cubes and place them in a pot. Add one chopped onion, 1 seasoning cube (crumbled), salt, and black pepper. Cover with water (about 2 inches above the beef). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the initial boiling. Reserve the beef stock.
⏱️ 1 hour - 2
Prepare the tomato base: While the beef is boiling, roughly chop the tomatoes, the second onion, and the bell peppers. If using, add the garlic cloves and ginger. Blend these ingredients in a food processor or blender until you have a smooth or slightly coarse paste, depending on your preference. Add a splash of water if needed to help the blending process.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Fry the tomato paste: Heat the palm oil or vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (shimmering), carefully pour in the blended tomato mixture. Be cautious as it may splatter. Stir well. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the paste fry, stirring occasionally, for 25-35 minutes. The paste should thicken considerably, darken in color, and the oil should start to separate and float on top. This frying process is crucial for developing the stew's deep flavor and removing the raw taste of the tomatoes.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 4
Combine and simmer: Once the tomato paste is well-fried, add the tender boiled beef (drained, reserving the stock) to the pot. Stir to coat the beef in the tomato mixture. Add about 1 to 1.5 cups of the reserved beef stock (or more, depending on desired consistency). Add the remaining 2 seasoning cubes (crumbled). Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 5
Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the stew is too thick, add a little more beef stock or water. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. Serve hot with your favorite Nigerian rice dish (like Jollof Rice or Fried Rice), 'swallow' (like pounded yam or fufu), or even bread.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to a delicious Nigerian stew is thoroughly frying the tomato and pepper paste until the oil separates. Don't rush this step!
- ✓For a smoother stew, you can strain the blended tomato mixture before frying.
- ✓This stew is a versatile base and can be enhanced with other vegetables like carrots or peas, or even protein like chicken or fish.
- ✓Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use traditional palm oil for an authentic flavor and color.
- Substitute with vegetable oil for a lighter option.
- Add a pinch of chili powder or fresh scotch bonnet peppers (finely chopped) for a spicier stew.