N'Dizi ya na Nyama

Authentic Tanzanian N'Dizi ya na Nyama Recipe with Beef and Plantains

Region / culture: Tanzania | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

N'Dizi ya na Nyama is a traditional East African dish that combines tender beef tips with plantains, green peas, and coconut milk for a flavorful and hearty meal. This dish is a perfect example of the rich and diverse culinary traditions found in the region.

History

N'Dizi ya na Nyama has its roots in the Swahili culture of East Africa, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by families and communities. The combination of beef, plantains, and coconut milk reflects the influence of various cultures that have shaped the region's cuisine over the centuries.

Ingredients

1.25 to 1.5 cups of water
3 lb (1.36 kg) of lean beef tips, cut into small cubes
0.5 tsp of crumbled dried thyme
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
3 tbsp of vegetable oil
1 tsp of chopped garlic
2 onions, finely chopped
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
4 large green plantains, peeled and cubed
10 oz (283 g) of freshly shelled green peas
1 pt (473 ml) of coconut milk

How to prepare

Place water in a large pot and add beef.
Bring to a boil and add thyme, salt, and pepper.
Cover and reduce to a simmer, then cook until the beef is tender, for 30 to 45 minutes. Set the pot aside.
In a heavy skillet, add oil and heat.
When the oil is hot, but not smoking, add garlic, onions, and tomatoes, and cook until the onions are translucent.
Add the beef to the vegetables and reduce the heat; cook slowly for about 10 minutes.
Add plantains, peas, and coconut milk, and continue to simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.
Adjust the seasonings to taste and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Variations

Substitute chicken or lamb for the beef for a different flavor profile.
Add additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrients.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the beef into small cubes to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme as needed.

- Simmer the dish slowly to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve N'Dizi ya na Nyama with a side of rice or flatbread for a complete meal.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the dish slowly to allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned peas if fresh peas are not available.

- Substitute plantains with green bananas if plantains are not in season.

Make Ahead Tips

N'Dizi ya na Nyama can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve N'Dizi ya na Nyama in a large serving bowl or individual plates for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or toasted coconut for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair N'Dizi ya na Nyama with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

- Serve with a side of chutney or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- The calorie content of N'Dizi ya na Nyama will vary depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

- Plantains are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.

- Green peas also contain carbohydrates, along with fiber for digestive health.

Fats

- Coconut milk adds a creamy richness to the dish and provides healthy fats.

- Vegetable oil is used for cooking the ingredients and adds a small amount of fat to the dish.

Proteins

- Lean beef tips are a great source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and antioxidants.

- Plantains contain vitamins A and C, along with minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut milk, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

N'Dizi ya na Nyama is a balanced dish that provides a mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

N'Dizi ya na Nyama is a delicious and comforting dish that showcases the flavors of East Africa. With tender beef, sweet plantains, and creamy coconut milk, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of this traditional recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Tanzania. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had passed down many recipes to me already. But this one was different. It was a recipe for a traditional dish called N'Dizi ya na Nyama, a flavorful stew made with plantains and beef.

I remember stumbling upon the recipe one day while rummaging through an old recipe book that belonged to my grandmother. The pages were yellowed and tattered, but the words were still legible. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the rich flavors of the stew in my mind.

Excited to try something new, I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. I chopped the plantains and marinated the beef, following the instructions carefully. The aroma of the spices filled the air as the stew simmered on the stove, promising a delicious meal to come.

Finally, the stew was ready. I scooped a generous portion into a bowl and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the sweetness of the plantains complemented by the savory beef and fragrant spices. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, N'Dizi ya na Nyama became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when I wanted a taste of home. Each time I cooked the dish, I felt a deep connection to my roots and the generations of women who had come before me, passing down their culinary knowledge through the ages.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own twists and adjustments to make it uniquely mine. I experimented with different spices, tried using different cuts of meat, and even added my own secret ingredient – a pinch of cinnamon – to give the stew a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.

As I grew older and moved to a new country, far away from my childhood home, cooking N'Dizi ya na Nyama became a way for me to stay connected to my past. I would make the stew for my own children, sharing with them the story of how I had discovered the recipe and the memories it held for me.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I take joy in passing down the recipe for N'Dizi ya na Nyama to the next generation. I teach my grandchildren how to make the stew, guiding them through each step just as my own grandmother had done for me so many years ago. And as we sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of stew together, I see the same spark of curiosity and delight in their eyes that I once felt when I first discovered the recipe.

The tradition lives on, carried forward through the generations, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other. And as I watch my grandchildren savoring the flavors of N'Dizi ya na Nyama, I know that the recipe will continue to be a cherished part of our family for years to come.