Zimbabwean-style Spicy Beef Stew

Ingredients

In this Zimbabwean adaptation, we have replaced the Thai flavors of Mu daet diao with traditional Zimbabwean spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground coriander. Additionally, we have incorporated peanut butter into the stew to add a unique nutty flavor that is commonly found in Zimbabwean cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Mu daet diao, 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
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• 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 the onion is translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, peanut butter, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
6. 6.
   Serve the Spicy Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

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.
• Peanut butter — Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or salt for a pure and authentic flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Beef Stew with sadza (cornmeal), rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Accompany it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Spicy Beef Stew with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve it in a deep bowl or on a plate, allowing the thick sauce to surround the tender beef.