Ivorian Spiced Beef Stew

Ingredients

While the original Gulášovka from Slovak cuisine is a beef stew with a European twist, this Ivorian adaptation infuses the dish with the vibrant flavors and spices of West Africa. The addition of Ivorian spices such as ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper gives the stew a distinctively spicy and aromatic profile. The use of local Ivorian vegetables like bell peppers adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish. Overall, this adaptation transforms the original dish into a flavorful and comforting Ivorian delight. We alse have the original recipe for Gulášovka, 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, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• 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, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the cayenne pepper and paprika over the beef, stirring well to coat.
5. 5.
   Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. 6.
   Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Ivorian Spiced Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose a tender cut of beef such as chuck or stewing beef for best results. Trim any excess fat before cubing.
• Ginger — Use fresh ginger for its vibrant flavor. Peel the ginger before grating.
• Canned diced tomatoes — Opt for high-quality canned diced tomatoes or use fresh tomatoes if available for a fresher taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference. Okra or eggplant can be great additions.
• Make a larger batch of the stew and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals.
• The flavors of this stew develop even more the next day, so it's a great dish to make ahead of time.

Serving advice

Serve the Ivorian Spiced Beef Stew hot over steamed rice or with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Ivorian Spiced Beef Stew in a deep bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for an added touch of green.