Ugandan Spiced Beef Stew with Plantains

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the Armenian dish Vospapour, we have incorporated Ugandan flavors and ingredients to create a unique and delicious dish. While the original dish uses lamb, we have substituted it with beef, which is more commonly consumed in Uganda. Additionally, we have added plantains, a staple ingredient in Ugandan cuisine, to enhance the flavor and texture of the stew. We alse have the original recipe for Vospapour, 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
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 2 plantains, peeled and sliced 2 plantains, peeled and sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 10g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the cumin, paprika, and turmeric, coating the beef evenly with the spices.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
6. 6.
   Simmer the stew for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Add the sliced plantains to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the plantains are soft.
8. 8.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Serve the Ugandan Spiced Beef Stew with Plantains hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin for a sweeter flavor. If you prefer a firmer texture, use slightly green plantains.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped chili peppers.
• Serve the stew with steamed rice or Ugandan-style chapati for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked plantains and stir them back into the pot.

Serving advice

Serve the Ugandan Spiced Beef Stew with Plantains in deep bowls, allowing the flavors to meld together. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange a few slices of plantains on top of the stew and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve with a side of steamed rice or chapati.