Msembe Beef Stew
A hearty and flavorful Zambian beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef simmered with vegetables in a rich, savory broth, often seasoned with local spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef(stewing cuts like chuck or brisket, cubed)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped, fresh or canned)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and chopped)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 750 ml Beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1 tsp Curry powder(optional, for added flavor)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches until well-seared on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- 2
Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly.
- 4
Add the chopped tomatoes, carrots, bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper, and curry powder (if using). Stir well to combine.
- 5
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth or water, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
- 6
Add the cubed potatoes to the stew. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve hot with nshima or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Browning the beef well is crucial for developing deep flavor.
- ✓Low and slow simmering is key to tender beef.
- ✓If the stew is too thin, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken it, or simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine when adding the broth.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- For a spicier stew, add a chopped chili pepper along with the onions and garlic.
- A small amount of ground mungongo nuts can be added for a traditional Zambian touch.