South African Beef Stew
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 20 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
437 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
African, South African
South African Beef Stew
Description
This South African Beef Stew recipe involves browning diced onions and stewing beef with garlic, then simmering the meat with water and a stock cube until tender. Curry powder, tomato paste, chutney or brown sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper add flavor complexity. Vegetables including carrots, bell pepper, and potatoes are added to the pot with additional water and Worcestershire sauce, then cooked until tender. The stew is thickened near the end with a flour and water slurry to achieve a rich, smooth consistency.
The stew balances the earthiness of beef with the warmth of curry powder and mellow sweetness from tomato paste and chutney, while the potatoes and carrots provide hearty texture. The slow cooking melds flavors well, resulting in a savory, satisfying one-pot meal.
Serve the stew with rice, bread, or vegetables to complement its robust flavors. Adjust the amount of water during cooking to achieve desired tenderness for beef and consistency for the sauce. Adding chili flakes or fresh chili can increase heat if preferred.
The stew’s cooking time varies based on the toughness of the beef, so gradually adding water during cooking helps ensure tender results. Using fresh diced tomatoes instead of tomato paste is an option, and flavor can be customized with spice levels and seasoning adjustments.
Ingredients
- 1 kg beef cubed - about 2.2 pounds, stewing
- 3 tablespoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 1 onion diced, large
- 4 garlic minced, medium-sized cloves
- 3 cup water to boil the meat
- 1 stock cube
- 1 tablespoon curry powder (use less curry powder if your prefer your stew less spicy)
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp chutney optional, or brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (use a teaspoon, if you prefer it spicy)
- 3 carrot chopped, medium-sized
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 3 potato peeled and sliced into quarters, large
- 1 bell pepper sliced, large
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or gluten-free thickeners, such as cassava flour, to thicken the stew
- ⅓ cup water (to thicken the stew)
- ⅓ cup parsley to garnish, chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat oil in a large deep-sided pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and fry until golden brown and fragrant. Next, add the stewing beef and the garlic, and brown the beef on both sides.
- Add two cups of water, stock cube, then cook for about 45 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated and the meat is tender. Add an extra 1-2 extra cups of water or broth, if the meat is still tough, and continue cooking until it softens up (see notes). Next, add the curry powder, tomato paste, chutney or brown sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper, then combine.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, and one cup of water, then combine. Cover and cook under low heat until the potatoes and carrots have softened. In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and one-third cup of water using a spoon to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the stew and stir. Feel free to add 1-2 extra cups of water or broth, if the stew feels too dry. Cook for a further 5 minutes or until the stew thickens and becomes glossy.
- Garnish with some fresh parsley or your favourite herbs, serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust liquid amounts and cooking time depending on the cut and toughness of the beef.
- Use fresh diced tomatoes instead of tomato paste for a different texture and flavor.
- Add chili flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers for a spicier stew.
- Add water incrementally during cooking to avoid over-diluting the stew.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 437 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 437kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 41g | 82% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 103mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 622mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 1360mg | 29% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 5572IU | 111% |
| Vitamin C | 69mg | 77% |
| Calcium | 90mg | 9% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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