Namibian Beef Stew

Ingredients

Namibian Beef Stew draws inspiration from the Mexican dish Guiso carrero but incorporates Namibian flavors and ingredients. While the original Guiso carrero uses Mexican spices and ingredients, this adapted recipe utilizes Namibian spices and local vegetables to create a unique flavor profile that reflects the culinary traditions of Namibia. We alse have the original recipe for Guiso carrero, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tomatoes, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 500ml (2 cups) beef broth 500ml (2 cups) beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground coriander, ground cumin, and paprika, coating the beef evenly with the spices.
5. 5.
   Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, carrots, potatoes, bay leaf, and beef broth to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
7. 7.
   Simmer the stew for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   Remove the bay leaf from the stew before serving.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose a tender cut of beef, such as chuck or stewing beef, for the best results. Trim any excess fat before cubing the meat.
• Coriander — For a more intense flavor, toast the coriander seeds in a dry pan before grinding them into a powder.
• Potatoes — Cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook at the same rate as the other ingredients.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier stew, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• This stew tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance and reheating it for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Namibian Beef Stew is traditionally served with a side of steamed rice or pap, a local staple made from maize meal. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or a side of pickled vegetables.

Presentation advice

Serve the Namibian Beef Stew in individual bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the rich, aromatic sauce will make for an inviting presentation.