Dama be Potaatas

Dama be Potaatas Recipe - Vegetarian Sudanese Dish

Region / culture: Sudan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Dama be Potaatas is a delicious Ethiopian stew that combines tender beef steak, potatoes, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening.

History

Dama be Potaatas has its origins in Ethiopian cuisine, known for its bold flavors and unique spice blends. This dish is a popular comfort food in Ethiopia, often enjoyed with injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread.

Ingredients

2 onions
4 tbsp of tomato paste
0.33 cup of oil
3 cloves of crushed garlic
250 g of beef steak
3 cups of water
3 tomatoes
0.5 green pepper
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of cardamom
1 tsp of cinnamon
2 potatoes

How to prepare

Chop the onions and put them in a pot. Fry them in oil over medium heat.
Keep the pot covered and stir occasionally.
Add water to the pot, cover it, and let it simmer on medium heat for 5–10 minutes, until the water is almost evaporated.
Lightly blend the onions and return them to the pot. Add the chopped tomatoes.
Peel and chop the potatoes. Fry the potatoes until they turn golden.
Chop the steak into small pieces and add them to the pot along with the chopped pepper, salt, cardamom, and cinnamon.
Cover the pot and let it cook for 3 minutes.
Add tomato paste and stir, gradually adding water until the mixture becomes smooth and runny.
Add the fried potatoes to the pot, cover it, and let it simmer for 10 minutes, occasionally adding more water.
Stir in the crushed garlic.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef steak with tofu or chickpeas.
Add more vegetables such as carrots or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to fry the onions until they are caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Simmering the stew slowly allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, flavorful sauce.

- Adjust the spices to your taste preferences – feel free to add more or less cardamom and cinnamon.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dama be Potaatas with a side of injera or rice for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

Slow simmering allows the flavors to develop and creates a rich, flavorful stew.

- Be sure to fry the potatoes until they are golden and crispy for added texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or lamb instead of beef steak for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Dama be Potaatas can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Dama be Potaatas in a large bowl with a side of injera or rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Dama be Potaatas with a crisp green salad or a side of pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dama be Potaatas contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dama be Potaatas contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Dama be Potaatas contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Dama be Potaatas contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Dama be Potaatas is rich in vitamin C from the tomatoes and peppers, as well as iron and zinc from the beef steak.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies to the ingredients used.

Summary

Dama be Potaatas is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Dama be Potaatas is a flavorful and comforting Ethiopian stew that combines tender beef steak, potatoes, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a hot summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon the secret to making Dama be Potaatas. I had been visiting my dear friend Maria, who was known in our village as the best cook around. She had invited me over for tea and a chat, but little did I know that I would be leaving with a newfound recipe that would become a family favorite for generations to come.

As I sat at Maria's kitchen table, sipping on a cup of strong Turkish coffee, she suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry. I could hear her rummaging around, the clinking of pots and pans echoing through the small room. Curiosity piqued, I followed her and found her standing in front of an old wooden chest. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she opened it and pulled out a tattered old recipe book.

"This, my dear friend, is the key to making the most delicious Dama be Potaatas you will ever taste," Maria said, handing me the book with a smile.

I eagerly flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes scanning the handwritten notes and faded pictures. The recipe for Dama be Potaatas was there, written in Maria's elegant script. I felt a surge of excitement as I realized that I was about to learn the secret to one of the most coveted dishes in our village.

Maria took me through the recipe step by step, explaining the importance of each ingredient and technique. She showed me how to peel and slice the potatoes just right, how to sauté the onions until they were golden brown, and how to layer everything in a pot so that the flavors melded together perfectly. I watched her with rapt attention, eager to soak up every bit of knowledge she had to offer.

After hours of cooking and chatting, the Dama be Potaatas was finally ready. The aroma that wafted from the pot was enough to make my mouth water. Maria served us each a generous portion, topping it off with a dollop of creamy yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a world of flavors and textures that I had never experienced before.

From that day on, Dama be Potaatas became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for my family, my friends, and anyone else who was lucky enough to taste it. Each time I prepared the dish, I thought of Maria and the magical moment when she had shared her recipe with me. I thanked her silently, knowing that her generosity had enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined.

Years passed, and Maria eventually passed away, leaving behind a legacy of delicious recipes and cherished memories. But her spirit lived on in every pot of Dama be Potaatas that I cooked, reminding me of the bond we shared and the love we had for good food and good company.

As I sit here now, in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Dama be Potaatas for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile. The recipe may have come from Maria, but the love and joy that it brings to my family is all my own. And as I watch my grandchildren eagerly dig into their plates, their faces lighting up with pleasure, I know that I am passing on a tradition that will endure for generations to come.

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time will always be etched in my mind, a reminder of the power of friendship, food, and the simple pleasures of life. And as long as I have breath in my body, I will continue to cook and share my beloved Dama be Potaatas with those I hold dear. For in the act of cooking and eating together, we find connection, comfort, and a sense of belonging that transcends time and space. And that, my dears, is the true magic of a good recipe.