Lički Lonac - Southern African Style

Ingredients

In this Southern African adaptation, we incorporate flavors commonly found in the region. The original Lički Lonac recipe is traditionally prepared with pork, but we substitute it with beef or lamb, which are more commonly consumed in Southern Africa. Additionally, we enhance the flavors by adding spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, which are commonly used in Southern African cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Lički lonac, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or lamb, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef or lamb, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups (470ml) beef or vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) beef or vegetable 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, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 6g
• 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 translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the cubed beef or lamb to the pot and brown on all sides.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the ground cumin, ground coriander, and paprika over the meat, stirring well to coat.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, and cubed sweet potatoes to the pot.
6. 6.
   Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, ensuring that the ingredients are fully submerged.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
9. 9.
   Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef or lamb — For a more tender result, choose cuts of meat that are suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck roast or lamb shoulder.
• Sweet potatoes — Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
• Fresh cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a milder herb flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the meat in the spice mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what's in season. Adding bell peppers or butternut squash can add additional depth to the stew.

Serving advice

Lički Lonac is traditionally served as a main course. Accompany it with a side of maize meal or rice to soak up the delicious flavors of the stew.

Presentation advice

Serve the stew in individual bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh cilantro. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the aromatic aroma will make for an enticing presentation.