Master chef’s guide: the ultimate guide to beef stew perfection in kenya

Beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish enjoyed by many around the world. In Kenya, beef stew is a staple dish that is often served with ugali, a cornmeal porridge. The stew is typically made with beef, tomatoes, onions, carrots, potatoes, and a variety of spices. This blog post will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to cook beef stew Kenyan style.

Ingredients

• 1 kg beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides.

2. Add the vegetables: Once the beef is browned, add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.

3. Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.

4. Add the carrots and potatoes: After 1 hour, add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

5. Serve: Once the stew is finished, serve hot with ugali or your favorite side dish.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew

• Use a good quality beef. The better the beef, the better the stew. Look for a chuck roast or other type of beef that is well-marbled.
• Brown the beef well. Browning the beef adds flavor and depth to the stew. Don’t skip this step!
• Use a variety of vegetables. The more vegetables you add to the stew, the more flavorful it will be. Some good choices include carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions.
• Season the stew well. Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also add other spices to taste. Some good choices include oregano, thyme, and bay leaf.
• Simmer the stew for a long time. The longer you simmer the stew, the more tender the beef will become. Aim for at least 1 hour of simmering time.

Variations on Beef Stew

There are many different ways to make beef stew. Here are a few variations:

• Add other vegetables. Some good choices include green beans, peas, and corn.
• Use different types of meat. You can use lamb, pork, or even chicken instead of beef.
• Add a splash of wine. Red or white wine can add a nice depth of flavor to the stew.
• Make it spicy. Add a few chili peppers to the stew for a spicy kick.

How to Serve Beef Stew

Beef stew is typically served with ugali, a cornmeal porridge. However, you can also serve it with other side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, or bread.

Wrap-Up: The Perfect Comfort Food

Beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a great way to use up leftover beef. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make a delicious beef stew that your family and friends will love.

What You Need to Learn

• What is the best type of beef to use for stew? Chuck roast is a good choice because it is well-marbled and will become tender when cooked.
• Can I use other vegetables in the stew? Yes, you can add any vegetables you like. Some good choices include carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions.
• How long should I simmer the stew? The longer you simmer the stew, the more tender the beef will become. Aim for at least 1 hour of simmering time.
• Can I make the stew ahead of time? Yes, you can make the stew ahead of time and reheat it when you are ready to serve.
• What should I serve with the stew? Beef stew is typically served with ugali, a cornmeal porridge. However, you can also serve it with other side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, or bread.