Tongan Beef and Taro Stew
A hearty and comforting stew featuring tender chunks of beef slow-cooked with starchy taro root, infused with the subtle sweetness of coconut milk and aromatic spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef chuck(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 750 g Taro root(peeled and cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 2 medium Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(grated fresh)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full fat)
- 500 ml Beef broth
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 tablespoons Curry powder
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove beef and set aside.
- 2
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.
- 3
Stir in curry powder and turmeric powder, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure beef is mostly submerged in liquid - 5
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
- 6
Add the cubed taro root to the pot. Stir to combine, cover, and continue to simmer for another 45-60 minutes, or until the taro is tender and the stew has thickened.
💡 Tip: Taro will absorb liquid, so add a little more broth or water if it becomes too thick - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with rice or bread
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use beef with good marbling.
- ✓Taro can be substituted with sweet potato or potato if unavailable, though cooking times may vary.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked taro against the side of the pot.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat.
- Incorporate other root vegetables like carrots or cassava.
- Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste for a deeper tomato flavor.