Thopi ea Khomo (Beef and Melon Stew)
A unique and hearty stew combining tender beef with the subtle sweetness of melon, thickened with sorghum or maize meal. This dish showcases the resourceful use of ingredients in Lesotho, often prepared for communal meals.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef(cubed (chuck or stewing beef recommended))
- 500 g Melon(ripe but firm, peeled, seeded, and cubed (e.g., cantaloupe or honeydew))
- 100 g Sorghum meal(or maize meal)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned diced)
- 500 ml Beef broth
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Chili flakes(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Return the beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and chili flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
- 5
Add the cubed melon to the pot and simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the melon is tender but still holds its shape.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk the sorghum meal (or maize meal) with a little cold water to form a smooth paste. Gradually stir this paste into the stew. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens to your desired consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
- 7
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, traditionally with pap (stiff maize porridge).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the melon is ripe but still firm to prevent it from disintegrating into the stew.
- ✓The long simmering time for the beef is crucial for tenderness.
- ✓Adjust the amount of sorghum or maize meal to achieve your preferred stew thickness.
🔄 Variations
- Some variations include adding fermented milk (mafi) for a tangy flavor, as is done by the Tana people.
- Other root vegetables like potatoes or carrots can be added along with the melon.