Ugandan Nthoma Stew with Beef
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring nthoma (a type of wild yam or cassava leaves), tender pieces of beef, and aromatic spices, simmered to perfection.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Beef(cubed)
- 500 g Nthoma leaves (or cassava leaves)(chopped and washed)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 3 tbsp Cooking oil
- 500 ml Water or beef broth
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp Cumin powder
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the cubed beef to the pot and brown on all sides.
- 4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes start to break down.
- 5
Pour in water or beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
- 6
Add the chopped nthoma (or cassava) leaves to the pot. Stir well, cover, and continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the leaves are tender and the stew has thickened.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure nthoma leaves are thoroughly washed to remove any grit.
- ✓If using cassava leaves, they might require a longer simmering time to become tender.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of peanut butter towards the end of cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrients.
- Substitute beef with goat meat for a different flavor profile.