Nigerian Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with tender beef and rich spices. It’s usually made with tomatoes, onions, and chili for a tasty kick that warms you up!
This stew is perfect over rice or with some delicious bread. I love how it makes my kitchen smell amazing while it simmers. Plus, leftovers taste even better! Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using stewing beef because it becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks. You can also opt for chuck or brisket if that’s what you have on hand. If you want a lighter option, try using chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes give the best flavor, but if they’re out of season, canned tomatoes work well too. Just ensure they are pureed for a smooth sauce. You can add a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of canned tomatoes, which works wonders!
Bell Peppers: Red bell peppers add sweetness and color. You can swap them with yellow or orange peppers if preferred, or use jalapeños for a spicier kick instead of sweet peppers.
Oil: While vegetable oil works great for cooking, palm oil gives the stew an authentic Nigerian flavor. Be mindful of using less if you’re concerned about its rich taste and calories.
How Can I Make Sure My Beef is Tender?
For tender beef, marinating and cooking low and slow is key! Marinate the beef chunks with your spices and let them sit for at least 30 mins; this allows flavors to absorb. When cooking, keep the heat low and cover the pot.
- Brown the beef properly to develop flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pot; do it in batches if needed.
- Scrape up any bits at the bottom of the pot when adding the tomato mixture—that adds depth.
- Cook it low and slow! Check for tenderness by piercing with a fork. If it falls apart easily, it’s ready!
Enjoy cooking and enjoy every bite of your beef stew! It’s sure to become a favorite. 😊
Nigerian Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Beef and Sauce Base:
- 2 lbs beef (preferably stewing beef), cut into chunks
- 4 large tomatoes, blended
- 3 large red bell peppers, blended
- 2 large red chilies (adjust according to heat preference), blended
- 2 medium onions (one blended with tomatoes/peppers, one sliced)
Aromatics and Spices:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 bouillon cube (preferably Maggi or Knorr)
Cooking Essentials:
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or palm oil for authenticity)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- Fresh chopped spinach or scent leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Nigerian Beef Stew will take about 30 minutes to prep and around 1.5 hours to cook. Total time is approximately 2 hours, which includes marinating the beef and letting it simmer to perfection. Grab your ingredients and let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
Season the beef chunks with salt, half of the minced garlic, ginger, curry powder, and the bouillon cube. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in. This step is key for ensuring a flavorful stew!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a heavy pot, heat a little vegetable or palm oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown the chunks on all sides until well-sealed. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the remaining oil and sauté the sliced onions until they turn translucent. Then, add the other half of the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring you don’t burn the garlic.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for about 3-5 minutes to enhance its flavor and remove any raw taste. This helps deepen the sauce’s flavor.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the blended tomatoes, red bell peppers, red chilies, and one blended onion mixture to the pot. Cook this delicious mixture on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces by half and you can see the oil separating from the tomato mix. This should take around 15-20 minutes.
6. Simmer the Stew:
Now it’s time to add the thyme, bay leaves, and the browned beef chunks back into the pot. Stir well to combine everything together. Pour in enough beef broth or water to just cover the meat. Bring this to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Cover the pot and allow the beef to cook until tender, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Remember to check occasionally and add more water if needed!
7. Final Touches:
Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust the salt if needed. If you’re using spinach or scent leaves, stir them in and cook for an additional 5 minutes to wilt them slightly.
8. Serve Your Stew:
Serve the rich and spicy Nigerian Beef Stew hot with white rice, boiled yams, or crusty bread. Enjoy each mouthful of this hearty dish!
Now you’re all set to enjoy a beautiful plate of Nigerian Beef Stew! Happy cooking! 🍲
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Stew?
Yes, you can! While stewing beef is ideal for its tenderness, cuts like chuck or brisket work well too. Just ensure to cut them into manageable chunks and give them enough time to slow-cook for tenderness.
Can I Make This Stew Spicier?
Absolutely! You can add extra red chilies or include some chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to increase the heat. Just start small and gradually add until you reach your desired spice level.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.
Can This Stew Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze this stew! Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
