Mogodu
South African Tripe Stew
A hearty and deeply flavorful tripe stew, slow-cooked to tender perfection. This is a classic township comfort food, traditionally served with pap (a maize porridge).
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Beef Tripe(Ensure it's pre-cleaned or clean it thoroughly yourself. You can use honeycomb tripe or book tripe.)
- 2 Large Onions(Finely chopped.)
- 3 Ripe Tomatoes(Blended or finely chopped.)
- 2 tablespoons Curry Powder(A mild or medium curry powder is recommended. Adjust to your spice preference.)
- 4 medium Potatoes(Peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes.)
- 1 liter Beef or Vegetable Stock(Or enough to cover the tripe.)
- To taste Salt
- To taste Black Pepper
- 2 Bay Leaves(Optional, for added aroma.)
- 3 cloves Garlic(Minced. Optional, for extra flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil(For sautéing.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Tripe: If your tripe is not pre-cleaned, wash it thoroughly under cold running water multiple times. Scrape away any impurities. Cut the cleaned tripe into approximately 2-3 cm pieces. Set aside.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 2
Initial Boil: Place the cut tripe in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add enough cold water to generously cover the tripe. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 3 to 4 hours, or until the tripe is very tender. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour of cooking. The tripe should be yielding when pierced with a fork.
⏱️ 3-4 hours - 3
Sauté Aromatics: While the tripe is simmering, heat the vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat (around 180°C / 350°F). Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. If using garlic, add it in the last minute of sautéing until fragrant. Stir in the curry powder and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Combine and Simmer: Once the tripe is tender, drain off most of the cooking liquid, leaving about 1-2 cups in the pot. Add the sautéed onion and curry mixture, the blended tomatoes, cubed potatoes, bay leaves (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot with the tripe. Stir well to combine. Add the beef or vegetable stock, ensuring the ingredients are mostly submerged. Bring the stew back to a gentle simmer.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Thicken the Sauce: Cover the pot and continue to simmer over low heat for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more stock or water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 6
Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the hot Mogodu into bowls. It is traditionally served with pap (maize porridge) or a side of crusty bread.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Thorough cleaning of the tripe is paramount for a pleasant flavor and texture.
- ✓The long, slow cooking process is essential to break down the connective tissues in the tripe, making it incredibly tender.
- ✓Don't rush the simmering stage; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- ✓Adjust the amount of curry powder and add chili if you prefer a spicier stew.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve with a side of 'pap' (a stiff maize porridge) for an authentic experience.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the stew for extra heat.
- Some variations include adding other vegetables like carrots or peas towards the end of cooking.