Okra and Beef Stew
Ugandan Style
A flavorful and comforting stew featuring tender beef and okra simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, seasoned with Ugandan spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Beef(stewing cuts like chuck or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Cooking oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped or pureed)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper(chopped)
- 1 pound Okra(trimmed and sliced into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 cups Water or beef broth
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Royco or beef masala(optional, for added flavor)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Drying the beef helps it brown better. - 2
Heat cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove beef and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Add minced garlic and chopped green bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Stir in the chopped or pureed tomatoes, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and optional Royco/beef masala. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down slightly.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add water or beef broth, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
⏱️ 1 hour - 7
Add the sliced okra to the stew. Stir gently, cover, and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the okra is tender.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: Avoid stirring too vigorously after adding okra to prevent it from becoming slimy. - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with rice, posho, or matoke.
💡 Tip: The stew thickens as it cools.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a less slimy okra, you can lightly sauté it separately before adding it to the stew.
- ✓If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use a 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
- ✓Add a pinch of chili powder for a spicier stew.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes.
- Use chicken or goat meat instead of beef.