Ugandan Musisi Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew made with beef, vegetables, and a unique blend of spices, often featuring local greens. Musisi stew is a comforting and traditional Ugandan dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 750 g Beef(cubed, preferably chuck or stewing beef)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper(chopped)
- 200 g Spinach or other local greens(chopped (e.g., amaranth, collard greens))
- 4 cups Beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp Groundnut paste (optional)(for added richness)
- 1 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Sear the beef: 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.
💡 Tip: Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to the stew. - 2
Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 6-8 minutes - 3
Add tomatoes and peppers: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and green bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Add spices: Stir in the curry powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
⏱️ 1-2 minutes - 5
Combine and simmer: Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth or water. If using groundnut paste, stir it in now. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
⏱️ 1 hour+💡 Tip: Simmering for a longer period allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become very tender. - 6
Add greens: Stir in the chopped spinach or other greens. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes - 7
Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Musisi stew hot, typically with a staple like posho (ugali) or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use beef broth instead of water.
- ✓If you can find local Ugandan greens like 'nakati' or 'buga', they would be excellent additions.
- ✓The stew can be made ahead of time; the flavors often improve overnight.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes for a more substantial stew.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with firm tofu or a mix of hearty vegetables and legumes.