Nkhalamba (Malawian Goat Stew)
A hearty and flavorful goat stew, slow-cooked to tender perfection with aromatic spices and vegetables. Nkhalamba is a traditional dish often prepared for special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Goat meat(bone-in, cut into stewing pieces)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped or crushed)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 3 tbsp Cooking oil
- 500 ml Water or broth
- 2 tsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1-2 Optional: Chili peppers(finely chopped, for heat)
- 2 medium Optional: Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Optional: Carrots(peeled and sliced)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the goat meat on all sides. Remove meat and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add chopped tomatoes (and optional chili peppers), curry powder, and turmeric. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and form a sauce.
- 5
Return the browned goat meat to the pot. Pour in water or broth, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged. Season with salt and black pepper.
- 6
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the goat meat is very tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally and add more liquid if the stew becomes too dry. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For extra tenderness, you can marinate the goat meat overnight in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and ginger.
- ✓If you don't have goat meat, lamb or beef can be substituted, though cooking times may vary.
- ✓Serve hot with nsima, rice, or other staple grains.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or cassava.
- Incorporate leafy greens like spinach or kale in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- A splash of tomato paste can deepen the color and flavor.