Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes: A Comforting Classic

Beef stew, a beloved dish enjoyed in many cultures, finds a warm and welcoming home in Zimbabwean kitchens. Known for its hearty, rich flavors, this dish pairs succulent beef with tender potatoes, creating a meal that is both satisfying and nutritionally balanced. The traditional cooking methods used by many families in Zimbabwe contribute unique flavors thanks to the incorporation of local spices and herbs. In this recipe, we’ll take a classic beef stew and infuse it with some Zimbabwean flair, perfect for sharing with family or selling on Zimbo Menu, Zimbabwe’s vibrant local food marketplace.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef (chuck or brisket), cut into cubes

4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, sliced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

4 cups beef broth

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking

1 bay leaf

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Start by seasoning your beef cubes with salt, pepper, paprika, coriander, and cumin. This initial seasoning adds depth to the stew. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, toss in the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant. Add the red bell pepper and carrots, stirring for an additional 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly.
Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add potatoes, tomato paste, and the bay leaf, stirring everything to combine well. The tomato paste will give the stew a rich flavor and a lovely color.
Add the Broth: Pour in the beef broth. Ensure it covers all your ingredients; you may need to add a little more broth or water if necessary. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the stew to simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, enabling the flavors to meld and develop, and the beef to become tender.
Check for Seasoning: After about 1.5 hours, check the tenderness of the beef and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of cayenne for an extra spicy kick.
Serve: Once the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft, remove the bay leaf. Ladle the hearty beef stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.

This Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes is not only perfect for comforting family dinners but also presents an excellent opportunity for those considering sharing their culinary creations on Zimbo Menu. Whether for personal enjoyment or as a way to explore business endeavors, this recipe highlights the fusion of traditional Zimbabwean comfort food that can make a delightful addition to the local marketplace.

Cooking Tips

For an additional flavor boost, you might add a splash of red wine to deglaze the pot after browning the meat.

Feel free to include other vegetables like peas or green beans for added color and nutrition.

This stew can be made ahead of time, as it often tastes better the next day once the flavors have further developed.

For anyone interested in discovering locally sourced dishes inspired by the rich culinary landscape of Zimbabwe, consider downloading the Zimbo Menu app. It’s a fantastic platform where you can explore a variety of recipes like the hearty beef stew with potatoes and share your homemade meals with those in your community, or even consider selling them yourself. Find out more about being a seller at here.

Embrace the comforting flavors of this Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes and share it with loved ones or the local community. Your kitchen may just be the next hub for delicious home-cooked meals on Zimbo Menu!