Beef Stew recipe

Beef stew RECIPE

beef stew recipe

Nigeria’s heart beats with a rhythm all its own, and on countless stoves across the country, a symphony of flavors simmers in harmony. This is Nigerian Beef Stew – a pot brimming with stories and warmth. Tender beef simmers in a rich broth, infused with the earthy embrace of curry powder and the fiery whisper of scotch bonnet peppers. Each spoonful is a celebration, a dance on your tongue that reflects Nigeria’s vibrant tapestry of cultures. More than just sustenance, Nigerian Beef Stew is a gathering. Laughter mingles with the aroma of slow-cooked goodness, drawing families and friends together. It’s a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients are simmered with love, a tradition woven into the very fabric of Nigerian life. So grab a spoon and join the celebration – Nigerian Beef Stew awaits.

INGREDIENTS:

 

The Beef Bunch (Our Steamy Stars):

  • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef (we talking tough cuts like flank or shin – this stew ain’t for the faint of chew! But don’t worry, slow cooking will make it melt in your mouth like Fela’s music). Chop them into bite-sized pieces, nobody wants a wrestling match with their meat in the stew!

The Veggie Village (Adding Color and Flavor):

  • 2 big, strong tomatoes (about 400g), chopped up fine. We want that rich tomato base to be the star of the show, so no mushy tomatoes allowed!
  • 2 bell peppers (red or green, your choice!), chopped up small. Because every stew needs a little sweetness and a touch of color, just like a good Aso Ebi.
  • 1 onion (medium-sized), diced up tiny. This is the foundation of flavor, so don’t skimp! You want that onion dancing with the tomatoes in a flavor tango.
  • 2 scotch bonnet peppers (seeded and chopped, but be warned – these fiery fellas pack a punch! Start slow and work your way up, unless you want your taste buds to do the Azonto).

The Spice Souk (Keepin’ Things Interesting):

  • 2 tablespoons palm oil (or vegetable oil if palm oil is on vacation). This adds a richness you just can’t get with other oils, trust me!
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (because a good stew needs some depth, just like a good highlife song).
  • 4 cups of beef stock (strong and flavorful, none of that watery nonsense!).
  • 1 stock cube (chicken or beef, your call).
  • 1 teaspoon of thyme (because herbs are the secret weapon of any good cook, adding a subtle fragrance).
  • Salt to taste (don’t be shy, but remember, too much salt can cause a flavor fight!).

Optional Extras (Because We Like Choices):

  • 1 cup of chopped green beans (for some extra crunch and goodness).
  • 1 cup of crayfish (ground, for that extra umami kick that’ll have your taste buds begging for more).
  • 1 bay leaf (a classic addition, but feel free to leave it out if you’re feeling adventurous).