Nkhalamba-Style Goat Stew
A hearty and flavorful goat stew, slow-cooked with aromatic spices and vegetables, embodying the rich culinary traditions of Malawi. Often served with nsima.

🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Goat meat(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 tbsp Curry powder
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 3 tbsp Cooking oil
- 4 cups Water or beef broth
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Wash the goat meat thoroughly and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat cooking oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the goat meat in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
- 3
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the diced tomatoes and curry powder. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and form a paste.
- 6
Return the browned goat meat to the pot. Pour in the water or beef broth, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged. Bring to a boil.
- 7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for at least 2 hours, or until the goat meat is very tender. Stir occasionally.
- 8
Add the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots to the stew. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, traditionally with nsima.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Slow cooking is key to tenderizing the goat meat.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
- ✓For a richer flavor, marinate the goat meat overnight with the spices before cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans in the last hour of cooking.
- A splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end can brighten the flavors.