Welcome to this authentic Nigerian beef stew recipe, a rich and aromatic dish that’s been perfected through generations of cooking. This hearty stew combines tender beef with a vibrant tomato-based sauce and aromatic spices.
A staple in Nigerian households, this versatile stew pairs beautifully with rice, yam, pasta, or bread. The recipe yields a deeply flavorful sauce that can be made ahead and frozen for future meals.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef, cut into chunks
- 4 medium plum tomatoes
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 1-3 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste)
- 2 medium onions (1 for cooking beef, 1 for stew)
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ inch fresh ginger
- ¼ cup palm oil
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons beef/chicken bouillon
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Season beef with onions, bouillon, curry powder, thyme, and salt. Cook with 1 cup water until tender (about 30 minutes)
- Step 2: Blend tomatoes, bell peppers, scotch bonnets, one onion, garlic, and ginger until smooth
- Step 3: Heat oils in a large pot and sauté remaining diced onion until translucent
- Step 4: Add blended pepper mixture and fry for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Step 5: Add tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes
- Step 6: Add cooked beef, 1-1½ cups beef stock, seasonings, and simmer for 15-20 minutes
- Step 7: Adjust seasoning to taste and cook until desired consistency is reached
Additional Instructions
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Serves: 8 people
- Storage: Keeps in refrigerator for 3-4 days or freezer for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave
- Variations: Can use chicken, goat meat, or tripe instead of beef
- Spice level: Adjust scotch bonnets to taste
- Serving suggestion: Pair with white rice, yam, or bread
General Nutritional Values
- Calories: 448 kcal per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 501mg
