Saosisy sy tsaramaso (Malagasy Spicy Beef Stew)

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 100g (3.5 oz) green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces 100g (3.5 oz) green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef 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, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
3. 3.
   Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the turmeric powder and ground cloves over the beef, stirring well to coat the meat evenly.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and green beans to the pot. Stir everything together.
6. 6.
   Pour in the beef broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   Serve the saosisy sy tsaramaso hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with steamed rice or crusty bread.

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 cutting into cubes.
• Turmeric powder — Turmeric adds a vibrant yellow color to the stew and has numerous health benefits. Be careful as it can stain surfaces and clothing easily.
• 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 kick of heat, add a chopped chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stew.
• Allow the stew to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the saosisy sy tsaramaso in deep bowls, allowing the aromatic steam to waft up and entice your senses. Accompany it with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Presentation advice

Garnish the saosisy sy tsaramaso with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color. Serve it in traditional Malagasy clay bowls or rustic earthenware for an authentic touch.