Katar de Carne
Timorese Beef Stew
A hearty and flavorful beef stew, Katar de Carne is a comforting dish often prepared for gatherings. It features tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, savory broth infused with local spices and vegetables.

๐ง Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef chuck(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp Chili powder(or to taste)
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 liter Beef broth
- 500 g Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 300 g Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 200 g Green beans(trimmed and cut)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh cilantro(chopped)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sautรฉ until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add turmeric, coriander, cumin, and chili powder. Stir well and cook for another minute.
- 5
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until beef is tender.
- 6
Add cubed potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- 7
Add trimmed green beans and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- 8
Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well.
- 9
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. This dish is typically served with rice.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor a richer flavor, you can marinate the beef in some of the spices for at least 30 minutes before browning.
- โAdjust the chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
- โIf the stew becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth or water.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or taro.
- Include a bay leaf for added aroma during simmering.
- For a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of palm sugar.