African Beef Stew Recipe (2024)

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From the savory depths of tender beef to the aromatic spices, this slow-cooked African Beef Stew is just the perfect hearty, cozy dinner to make when craving comfort food. This hearty stew is a culinary masterpiece, enjoyed for its bold flavors, intricate spice combinations, and the use of wholesome ingredients. Instant pot method included.

The Flavors in African beef stew

African beef stew is a flavorful and hearty dish that varies in taste depending on the region and local ingredients used, but it generally features a rich and complex flavor. Here’s a description of the flavors typically found in African beef stew:

Umami-rich Beef:

The base of the stew is usually made with tender chunks of beef, which provide a deep, savory, and meaty flavor. The meat is often browned before simmering, adding a caramelized taste to the stew.

Spices:

African cuisine is known for its vibrant and aromatic spices, crucial in the stew’s flavor. Common spices include cumin, coriander, paprika, ginger, cinnamon, curry, black pepper, cloves, and cardamom. These spices contribute layers of warmth, earthiness, and a touch of heat to the stew.

Chilies and Heat:

Many African beef stews incorporate chili peppers or hot sauces to add heat and a spicy kick. The level of spiciness can vary widely depending on regional preferences, but it often adds a bold flavor.

Herbs:

Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and thyme are frequently used to provide a refreshing and herbaceous note to balance the richness of the stew. These herbs can be added at the end of cooking or as a garnish.

Tomatoes:

Tomatoes, whether fresh, canned, or paste, are a common ingredient in African beef stew. They contribute a slightly tangy and sweet taste that complements the spices and helps create a thick and luscious sauce.

Vegetables:

Various vegetables like onions, carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes are often included in African beef stew. These vegetables add their unique flavors and enhance the dish’s overall depth and texture.

Broth or Stock:

Beef or vegetable broth can be used as the cooking liquid, infusing the stew with additional meaty and savory flavors. The slow simmering of the stew allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Coconut milk:

Depending on the region, coconut milk is used in many recipes, adding creaminess to the dish.

Sweetness:

Some African beef stews may incorporate sweet elements like dried fruits (such as apricots or raisins) or honey to balance the spiciness and add a touch of sweetness to the dish.

The precise flavor of African beef stew can vary greatly from one recipe to another, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions across the continent. It’s a delightful dish that combines a harmonious blend of spices, herbs, heat, and hearty ingredients, making it a beloved comfort food in many African households.

serving suggestions for African beef stew

Rice: Fluffy white rice, aromatic basmati, or even fragrant jasmine rice makes an excellent base for serving African beef stew. The rice’s mildness balances the stew’s bold flavors

Flatbreads: Various African flatbreads, such as chapati, roti, gluten free naan, or pita, can be used to scoop up the stew. They provide a different texture and can be a fun way to enjoy the dish.

Rolls: Serve this flavourful beef stew withgluten-free pull-apart soft rollsor the deliciousgluten-free artisan crusty rolls.

Pickled Vegetables: Pickled vegetables or relishes, such as South African atchar or Moroccan preserved lemons, can add a tangy contrast to the stew’s richness.

Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream can provide a cool and creamy contrast to the stew’s spiciness, especially in North African dishes.

African beef stew – recipe details

When it comes to African beef recipes, it is all about spices. So the first thing to do is season the beef with curry powder, paprika, a generous amount of black pepper and cinnamon.

Yes, you may be surprised about cinnamon. However, cinnamon is extremely aromatic and has a sweet and savoury flavour that sets this stew apart.

sear the beef well for rich beefy flavour

Once the beef is generously seasoned, it is seared. The beef stew flavour will intensify by searing the meat. So sear the meat well.

Next add the onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, tomato paste and coconut milk. Slowly simmer the stew for about an hour and a half.

Now add the remaining vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and cabbage, and finish cooking the stew until the meat is fork tender and the vegetables just right. The reason the vegetables are added at the end as not to overcook them.

And that is it for this African beef stew recipe. Nothing to it…right?

Another popular beef stew recipe is the Instant Pot Spiced Beef Stew with Mung Beans. A little different but so good!

African Beef Stew the Instant Pot Method

STEP ONE

Season the beef

STEP TWO

Sear the beef in a skillet. I used a cast iron skillet.

STEP THREE

Deglaze the skillet with 1/4 cup of water and add it to the instant pot with seared beef and remaining ingredients. Stir to combine. Close the lid.Cook on manual for 35 minutes, then release steam naturally. Enjoy!

This African beef stew recipe is such a simple dinner to throw together and so incredibly delicious. Cooking with ethnic spices adds diversity and uniqueness to our food, such as in this beef stew recipe.

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FAQs

What is African beef stew made of? ›

For the actual stew, you'll need the following ingredients: 1-1.5 lbs beef (chopped into 1.5 inch cubes), 2 large tomatoes (I used beefsteak tomatoes; roughly chopped), 1 large red bell pepper (roughly chopped), 2 teaspoons of ginger (minced), 1 large onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), ½ scotch bonnet or ...

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What gives beef stew the best flavor? ›

Add spices such as turmeric, coriander and cumin at the early stage of cooking, when you are frying onions and garlic, to enhance the taste of the beef stew. Fresh herbs like coriander and bay leaves also contribute a distinct flavour without making the dish too spicy for the younger members of the family.

How to make beef stew tender and juicy? ›

You make beef stew meat tender by stewing it.
Chop a large onion, a couple of carrots, and a few stalks of celery. ...
Remove the meat from the pot and set aside. ...
Once the stew has come to a boil, turn down to a simmer, cover and cook until the beef is tender, about an hour.

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Oct 31, 2022

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What is the basic stew formula? ›

The Ideal Stew Ratio: Two Parts Meat, One Part Vegetable

Most meat-based stews call for tough, inexpensive cuts of meat, while vegetarian recipes include the same onions, carrots, and celery typical of a beef stew. Two parts meat to one part vegetables is the perfect ratio for a meaty stew.

Should stew meat be marinated? ›

Using marinated meats is a great way to bring new, enriched flavor to your favorite soups and stews. Marinating meat prior to making your soup is a great way to add a depth of flavor while also tenderizing often lower quality stew meat.

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How long to cook beef stew until tender? ›

Cook over medium-high heat, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Add the beef, beef broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a slow simmer. Cover and cook, skimming broth from time to time, until the beef is tender, about 1½ hours.

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Do you cook beef stew covered or uncovered? ›

To thicken a soup, stew, or sauce, leaving the lid uncovered is ideal. "It must be off, or semi-covered, if you are slowing down the reduction process," says Stephen Chavez, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education.

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What kind of potatoes are best in beef stew? ›

Potatoes: The best potatoes to use are Russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, but red potatoes will work as well. Vegetables: Add in your favorite vegetables, or use seasonal veggies if you like. Parsnip, mushrooms, leeks, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower would all work well in stews in varying combinations.

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Do you simmer stew with lid on or off? ›

After you bring your stew to a gentle simmer it's important to cook with the lid on as it helps to trap the liquid inside, cook the ingredients evenly, enhance the combination of flavours and prevent the ingredients from drying out.