Omutako - Namibian Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef, cubed 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups (950 ml) beef broth 4 cups (950 ml) beef broth
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 6g
• Protein: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the tomato paste, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Omutako hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs well with steamed rice or traditional Namibian porridge.

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 to ensure a leaner stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the beef cubes in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and spices for a few hours before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Omutako in deep bowls, allowing the rich broth to surround the tender beef and vegetables. Accompany it with a side of steamed rice or Namibian porridge to soak up the flavors.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Omutako with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve it in rustic earthenware bowls to evoke the traditional Namibian culinary experience.