Nigerian Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 1200 g beef ((see Note 1 for best cuts))
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons beef seasoning cubes
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 cloves garlic ((smashed))
• 1 small piece of ginger
• 1 handful of chopped onion
• 1 cup water
• 5 large bell peppers
• 9-12 tomatoes
• A handful of Scotch bonnet peppers ((see note 2))
• 1/2 small onion
• 1 cup oil ((for frying the meat))
• Boiled-down stew base
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 1/2 beef seasoning cube
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Season with onion, salt, curry powder, thyme, crushed garlic, ginger, and crushed seasoning cube.

2. 2

   Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat for about 10 minutes. The meat will release its own juices, which makes it taste 10 times better.

3. 3

   After 10 minutes, add enough water to cook the meat through. Let it simmer until the meat is tender.

4. 4

   Separate the stock from the meat and set both aside.

5. 5

   Rinse and deseed the peppers. Blend the bell peppers, tomatoes, Scotch bonnets, and onion until smooth.

6. 6

   Pour the blended pepper mixture into a pot and cook over medium heat. Leave undisturbed(see note 3)

7. 7

   Cook with the pot opened until the pepper/tomato mix thickens and the raw tomato taste is gone.

8. 8

   In a large pot, heat some oil then fry the cooked meat. You can also air fry it or leave it boiled (see Note 4).

9. 9

   Add chopped onion to the hot oil and sauté until soft and fragrant.

10. 10

    Pour in the reduced pepper mixture and fry for a few minutes (be careful as it will splash).

11. 11

    Season with curry powder, thyme, and the seasoning cube. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes.

12. 12

    Cover the pot halfway and continue frying for about 15 minutes. If you like a dry stew, fry for longer.

13. 13

    Once the stew looks fried, add the reserved meat stock to loosen it up.

14. 14

    Allow to cook for another 5-10 minutes.

15. 15

    Add the cooked beef and let it simmer on low heat. You’ll know the stew is done when the oil rises to the top.

16. 16

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

17. 17

    Serve hot with rice, yam, bread, pasta, or your favorite side.