Rwanda Beef Stew

Rwanda Beef Stew Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Rwanda | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rwanda Beef Stew is a traditional dish that is popular in Rwanda, known for its rich and flavorful taste. This hearty stew is made with tender stewing beef, plantains, and a variety of seasonings that come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Rwanda Beef Stew has been a staple in Rwandan cuisine for generations. It is a dish that is often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations, as well as being a comforting meal that is enjoyed by families on a regular basis.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of Stewing beef, cut into 0.5-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tbsp of peanut oil
3 large green plantains, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch slices
4 tbsp of Freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 large tomato, peeled, seeded, and chopped coarse
1 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of poultry seasoning
0.25 tsp of Freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

In a heavy casserole, brown the beef and onion in the oil.
Rub the plantain slices with lemon juice and add them to the browned beef and onions.
Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
Add the remaining ingredients and enough water to cover.
Cover the casserole and cook over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours.
If needed, add more water and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Variations

Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes for additional vegetables and flavor.
Use chicken or lamb instead of beef for a different twist on the stew.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the beef and onions well before adding the other ingredients, as this will help to develop the flavor of the stew.

- Stir the stew constantly while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

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

- For a thicker stew, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rwanda Beef Stew hot over a bed of steamed rice or with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for added flavor and color.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the beef and onions before adding the other ingredients helps to develop the flavor of the stew.

- Cooking the stew over low heat for a long period of time allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable oil or olive oil instead of peanut oil for cooking the stew.

- If plantains are not available, you can use green bananas or sweet potatoes as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Rwanda Beef Stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve Rwanda Beef Stew in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation. - You can also serve the stew in individual bowls with a side of rice or bread.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Rwanda Beef Stew with a side of Ugali, a popular cornmeal dish in Rwanda.

- Pair the stew with a glass of Rwandan beer or a fruity red wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Rwanda Beef Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the stew in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Each serving of Rwanda Beef Stew contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

- Each serving of Rwanda Beef Stew contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

- Peanut oil is used for cooking the stew, providing healthy fats that are essential for the body.

- Each serving of Rwanda Beef Stew contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

- Stewing beef is a rich source of protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.

- Each serving of Rwanda Beef Stew contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Plantains are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

- Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

- Onions are a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.

- Each serving of Rwanda Beef Stew provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Rwanda Beef Stew is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Rwanda Beef Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. With its tender stewing beef, flavorful seasonings, and sweet plantains, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this traditional Rwandan dish with your family and friends for a taste of authentic African cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a cold winter day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had found tucked away in the attic. As I flipped through the pages, I came across a recipe for Rwanda Beef Stew. The ingredients were simple, yet the flavors promised to be bold and exotic. I had never heard of Rwandan cuisine before, and I was eager to try my hand at something new.

I remembered the first time I learned how to cook. I was just a young girl, watching my own grandmother in the kitchen as she worked her magic. She was a master in the art of cooking, and I was in awe of her skill. She would effortlessly whip up delicious meals from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients and a touch of love. I knew that I wanted to be just like her someday.

Over the years, I had collected recipes from various places and people. Each dish had its own story, its own unique flavor profile that told a tale of its origins. I had recipes from my travels, from friends and family, and from cookbooks that had been passed down through generations. But the recipe for Rwanda Beef Stew was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was a glimpse into a culture and a cuisine that was new and exciting to me.

I decided to give the recipe a try that very same day. I gathered all the ingredients – beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that included cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. As I chopped and sautéed, the kitchen filled with the warm and comforting aromas of the stew. I could already tell that this dish was going to be something special.

As the stew simmered on the stove, I thought back to the first time I had tasted a new and exotic dish. It was during a trip to Africa many years ago, where I had the opportunity to sample the local cuisine. I was captivated by the vibrant flavors and colors of the dishes, each one telling a story of the land and its people. I had always believed that food was a universal language that could connect people from all walks of life, and this recipe was a perfect example of that.

When the stew was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and set the table. My family gathered around, eager to taste the fruits of my labor. As we took our first bites, a chorus of oohs and ahhs filled the room. The flavors were rich and complex, the meat tender and succulent. It was a meal that transported us to a far-off land, where the sun shone bright and the air was filled with the sounds of laughter and music.

From that day on, Rwanda Beef Stew became a staple in our household. It was a dish that brought us together, that reminded us of the beauty and diversity of the world. And every time I made it, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the journey that had led me to that recipe. It was a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, our present, and our future.

So now, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but smile at the memories that this recipe has brought back to me. It is a testament to the joy and wonder that can be found in the simple act of cooking. And I know that as long as I continue to explore new recipes and flavors, my love for food will only grow stronger. Because food isn't just about nourishment – it's about connection, about love, and about the joy of sharing a meal with those we hold dear. And that, to me, is the true magic of cooking.