Ugandan Beef Stew with Greens
A hearty and flavorful beef stew, slow-cooked with aromatic spices and tender greens, offering a comforting taste of Ugandan home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef chuck(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced)
- 750 ml Beef broth
- 2 tsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 300 g Collard greens or kale(chopped)
- 1/4 cup Coriander leaves(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add diced tomatoes, curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 6
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged. Bring to a simmer.
- 7
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Stir occasionally.
- 8
Add the chopped collard greens or kale to the stew during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, allowing them to wilt and soften.
- 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- 10
Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves. This stew is excellent with rice, millet, or chapati.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can sear the beef at a higher heat.
- ✓If you don't have beef broth, water can be used, but the flavor will be less intense.
- ✓Adjust the spices to your preference. A pinch of chili powder can add a nice kick.
- ✓Ensure the greens are well-washed before adding them to the stew.
🔄 Variations
- Add cubed sweet potatoes or plantains along with the greens for a more substantial stew.
- Incorporate other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped fresh chili pepper with the garlic and ginger.