Emirati-style Spicy Beef Stew

Ingredients

In the Emirati adaptation of the Javanese Krengsengan, the traditional Indonesian spices are replaced with Emirati spices like baharat and dried red chilies. The dish also incorporates caramelized onions, garlic, and tomatoes to create a rich and flavorful base. Additionally, the Emirati-style Spicy Beef Stew is typically served with saffron rice or warm flatbread, which adds a distinct Emirati touch to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Krengsengan, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 onions, thinly sliced 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 teaspoons baharat spice mix 2 teaspoons baharat spice mix
• 2 dried red chilies, crushed 2 dried red chilies, crushed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• Salt, to taste Salt, 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): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic and diced tomatoes to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, combine the baharat spice mix, crushed dried red chilies, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt.
4. 4.
   Add the spice mixture to the pot and stir well to coat the onions and tomatoes.
5. 5.
   Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
6. 6.
   Pour in the beef broth and add the cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
7. 7.
   Simmer the stew for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   Season with salt to taste. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the Emirati-style Spicy Beef Stew hot with saffron rice or warm flatbread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose a tender cut of beef, such as chuck or stewing beef, for the best results in this stew. Trim any excess fat before cutting it into cubes to ensure a leaner dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more crushed dried red chilies to suit your taste preferences.
• Allow the stew to simmer on low heat for a longer duration to enhance the tenderness and depth of flavors.
• Serve the Emirati-style Spicy Beef Stew with a side of tangy pickles to balance the richness of the dish.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Emirati-style Spicy Beef Stew hot with a generous portion of saffron rice or warm flatbread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Emirati-style Spicy Beef Stew in a deep serving dish, allowing the vibrant colors of the stew to shine through. Sprinkle some additional crushed dried red chilies and cilantro leaves on top for an added visual appeal.