Fijian-style Spiced Beef Stew

Ingredients

In this Fijian adaptation of Peposo, we infuse the dish with the vibrant flavors of Fijian cuisine. We incorporate traditional Fijian spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander to add a distinct island twist to the dish. Additionally, we use local Fijian ingredients such as fresh coconut milk and tropical fruits to enhance the flavors and create a unique Fijian culinary experience. We alse have the original recipe for Peposo, so you can check it out.

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into cubes 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 20g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix together the ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Add the spice mixture to the pot and stir well to coat the beef.
4. 4.
   Pour in the coconut milk, beef broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
5. 5.
   Add the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then 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.
   Remove the bay leaves before serving.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the Fijian-style Spiced Beef Stew hot with rice or roti.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.
• Turmeric — Be cautious while handling turmeric as it can stain surfaces and clothing easily.
• Beef chuck — For the best results, choose well-marbled beef chuck for tenderness and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce.
• Allow the stew to simmer on low heat for a longer time to enhance the flavors and tenderness of the beef.
• Serve the stew with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a tangy twist.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Fijian-style Spiced Beef Stew hot with steamed rice or warm roti. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Fijian-style Spiced Beef Stew in a deep bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the stew to shine through. Place a sprig of fresh cilantro on top for an elegant touch.