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African Beef Stew

A comforting one-pot meal celebrated for rich flavors and tender beef, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: African
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs beef (chuck or stew meat) Cut into bite-sized cubes if not pre-cut.
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
  • 1-2 tablespoons ginger, minced
  • 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • to taste Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and cut it into bite-sized cubes if not pre-cut. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, searing them on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Add the carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir in the browned beef, and then return all beef to the pot.
  2. Add the tomato paste, ground cumin, and paprika, stirring to combine. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot. Let it simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. After an hour, check if the beef is tender. If not, simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving
  1. Once the beef is fork-tender, ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Enjoy with your choice of rice or bread!

Notes

Cut beef into uniform pieces for even cooking. Don't rush the browning; it's key for flavor. If the stew is too thick, add more broth or water. Letting it chill enhances the flavor. Feel free to add extra spices or herbs.