Afghan-style Slow-cooked Donkey Stew

Ingredients

In this Afghan adaptation, the original Italian stracotto di somaro is transformed into a flavorful Afghan stew. The Italian dish typically uses donkey meat slow-cooked in red wine, while the Afghan version incorporates a unique blend of Afghan spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The cooking technique remains the same, with the meat cooked low and slow until it becomes tender and infused with the aromatic flavors of the Afghan spices. We alse have the original recipe for Stracotto di somaro, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) donkey meat, cut into chunks 1 kg (2.2 lbs) donkey meat, cut into chunks
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (470ml) beef or vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) beef or vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 2g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the donkey meat to the pot and cook until it is browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for a minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, ensuring that the meat is fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
6. 6.
   Cover the pot and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the donkey meat is tender and easily falls apart.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, remove the stew from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Donkey meat — Donkey meat can be quite tough, so it's important to cook it low and slow to achieve a tender result. If donkey meat is not available, you can substitute it with beef or lamb.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the donkey meat in the spice mixture overnight before cooking.
• Serve the stew with naan bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less of the spices listed in the recipe.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water and add it to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Afghan-style slow-cooked donkey stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with naan bread or rice to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Present the stew in a deep serving dish, allowing the rich, aromatic sauce to take center stage. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color.