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Nigerian Beef Stew

Nigerian Beef Stew
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Nigerian Beef Stew is a rich and deeply flavorful dish featuring tender beef slowly simmered in a spiced tomato-based sauce with traditional West African ingredients. This vibrant stew offers authentic Nigerian taste, perfect for serving with rice, pounded yam, or plantains, making it a comforting meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef

  • 2 pounds chuck or stewing beef, cut into bite-sized cubes

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 6 ripe fresh tomatoes
  • 2 large red bell peppers
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 2–3 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (adjust as needed for frying)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 seasoning cubes or 1 tablespoon beef stock powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Water or beef stock, as needed (about 2 cups)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Trim and cube the beef into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the tomatoes, red bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger to create a smooth base for the stew.
  2. Cook the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat and brown the beef thoroughly to seal in the juices and develop rich flavor.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add more oil if needed. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until golden and fragrant. Carefully add chopped Scotch bonnet peppers for heat, followed by tomato paste to concentrate the tomato flavor.
  4. Blend and Add Tomatoes and Peppers: Blend the fresh tomatoes and red bell peppers until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot with the sautéed aromatics and let it simmer until it reduces slightly and the flavors meld.
  5. Simmer the Stew: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add bay leaves and seasoning cubes, then pour enough water or beef stock to cover the meat. Cover and simmer gently for about 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve the stew hot.

Notes

  • Brown the beef well to develop deep, complex flavors.
  • Use fresh tomatoes and peppers for vibrant color and best taste.
  • Adjust the number of Scotch bonnet peppers to control spiciness.
  • Simmer slowly for tender beef and a thick, rich sauce.
  • Use beef stock instead of water for a richer flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nigerian Beef Stew, Nigerian cuisine, beef stew, West African stew, spicy beef stew, traditional Nigerian recipe

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/nigerian-beef-stew/