Pitsa ya Nama
Pitsa ya Nama is a hearty meat stew, often made with beef or goat, slow-cooked with vegetables and seasoned with aromatic spices. It's a comforting dish that reflects the importance of meat in celebratory meals and gatherings in Lesotho.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef or goat meat(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned, diced)
- 500 ml Beef stock
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and diced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 tablespoons Curry powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Thyme(dried)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides until well-seared. Remove the meat and set aside.
💡 Tip: Ensure the pot is hot before adding the meat for a good sear. - 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the diced tomatoes, beef stock, curry powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 5
Return the browned meat to the pot. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- 6
Add the diced carrots and cubed potatoes to the stew. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, traditionally with pap (maize porridge).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, marinate the meat overnight with some of the spices.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more beef stock or water.
- ✓This stew can be made ahead of time; the flavors often deepen overnight.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes.
- Include a bay leaf during simmering for added aroma.
- For a spicier dish, add a chopped chili pepper along with the onions.