Siga Wassa (Beef and Sweet Potato Stew)
Siga Wassa is a hearty and comforting Malian stew that combines tender chunks of beef with sweet potatoes in a rich, savory sauce. Often flavored with peanut butter and tomatoes, it's a nourishing dish that highlights the use of staple ingredients in Malian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Beef stew meat(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- 3 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes(undrained)
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 0.5 cup Peanut butter(creamy, unsweetened)
- 2 medium Sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 0.25 cup Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Drying the beef helps it brown better. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove beef and set aside.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot, as this will steam the meat instead of browning it. - 3
Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
- 5
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the undrained diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
💡 Tip: Skim off any excess fat from the surface if desired. - 6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and about 1 cup of the hot broth from the pot until smooth. This prevents lumps.
💡 Tip: Ensure the peanut butter mixture is completely smooth before adding. - 7
Stir the peanut butter mixture into the stew. Add the cubed sweet potatoes. Cover and continue to simmer for another 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with rice or millet porridge.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use a cut of beef like chuck roast.
- ✓If the stew is too thick, add a little more beef broth or water.
- ✓If the stew is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers along with the sweet potatoes.
- For a spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili pepper with the garlic and ginger.
- Serve with couscous or a side of fufu.