East African Beef Stew is a hearty beef stew that is sure to satisfy your taste buds and those of your loved ones.  This is a recipe straight from my mother’s kitchen;  a stew that was a staple for us growing up.

 

This East African Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food. Chunks of well-marbled beef are seared in olive oil first and then gently braised with garlic and onions in tomato-coconut broth. After about 50 minutes, the meat becomes meltingly tender, enveloped in a creamy, intensely flavored sauce.

 

kenyan beef stew

 

East African Beef Stew Recipe

This mouth-watering and easy to make beef stew is sure to become one of your favorite.  Not only is this beef stew tender and flavorful, but it also packs on creamy and flavorful potatoes, carrots, and herbs.  Ready in less than one hour for weeknight meals that are so delicious you won’t resist.

 

What goes in an East African Beef Stew?

  • Beef
  • potatoes
  • carrots
  • onions
  • garlic
  • paprika
  • tomatoes
  • coconut milk
  • seasoning

 

east African beef stew

 

How to Make East African Beef Stew

  1. First of all, heat oil in a large pot.  Sear the beef till brown.  This process will take about 10 minutes.  Stir regularly to avoid burning. Drain the beef and set aside.

 

  1. In the same pot, add onions and stir, until lightly browned; about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant; about 1 minute.

 

  1. Following, add tomatoes and spices too and cook on medium-low heat. Stir occasionally till well cooked; about 8 to 10 minutes.

 

  1. Re-introduce the seared beef, potatoes, coconut milk, and water.  Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes till meat and potatoes are tender.

 

  1. Last but not least, add coriander leaves, paprika and carrots. Also, check for season and simmer for 5 minutes.

 

  1. Garnish with more coriander leaves and serve.

 

This East African Beef stew is served over a bowl of warm rice or Chapati.  How about some cooked spagheti?…those are perfect!

 

Kenyan beef stew

 

Can I skip searing the Beef?

Not if you want the authentic flavor of this African beef stew.  Searing the beef pieces at the beginning makes such a difference in the flavor of the stew.  That delicious caramelization on the meat is transferred into the sauce in the cooking process!

 

Have leftover East African Beef stew?

Lucky you! This recipe freezes like a dream and is great for make-ahead meals.  Keep the stew in the fridge and consume within three days. 

Alternatively, make a large batch of this East African beef stew on the weekend and freeze individual portions in zipper bags for up to 3 months.  Defrost overnight in the fridge and warm in a pot on the stove-top whenever your taste buds desire some.

 


 

Want to green it up?

Be my guest! Throw in some, green beans, peas, paprika, or any other veggies of your choice.

 

Can I make it spicier?

Absolutely!!  Simply adjust the amount of chili peppers powder to suit your taste buds.

 

More Tips For East African Beef Stew

  • This recipe calls for coriander leaves, but you can substitute with parsley or basil.  Yep, just sub an equal amount of parsley for the coriander leaves with wonderful results. Just avoid using the stems.  Unlike parsley, coriander stems have wonderful flavor and aren’t bitter.

 

  • Vegetables like carrots and peas cook fast.  Add them five minutes towards the end of the cooking.  

 

  • Also, if your cut of meat takes longer to cook, add the potatoes about 15 minutes after the meat.  This way, the meat gets enough time to soften up a little bit.  Otherwise, the potatoes will overcook by the time the meat cooks.

 

 

east African beef stew
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5 from 8 votes

East African Beef Stew

East African Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food. Chunks of well-marbled beef are seared in olive oil first and then gently braised with garlic and onions in tomato-coconut broth. After about 45 cooking time, the meat becomes meltingly tender and enveloped in a creamy and intensely flavored sauce.
Course Main Course
Cuisine African
Keyword african beef stew, beef stew, kenyan beef stew
Servings 6 people
Calories 270kcal
Author Jayne Rain
Cost $ 10

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Beef chuck, cut into bite-size pieces
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tsp Bouillon powder
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 5 large ripe tomatoes thinly cut
  • 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed.
  • 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 200 ml water
  • 400 ml coconut milk
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1 bunch coriander
  • 1 Paprika (any color you prefer)

Instructions

  • In a large pot, heat oil.  Sear the beef till brown.  This process will take about 10 minutes.  Stir regularly to avoid burning. Drain the beef and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add onion, and cook, stirring, until lightly browned. This process will take about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. 
  • Add the tomatoes and the spices and cook on medium-low heat. Stir occasionally till well cooked, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Re-introduce the seared beef, potatoes, coconut milk, and water.  Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes till meat and potatoes are tender.
     
  • Last but not least, add coriander leaves and carrots. Also, check for seasoning and simmer for 5minutes.
  • Garnish with more coriander leaves and serve hot over some rice or chapati.

If you enjoy this beef stew recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with Star rating.  I would love to hear from you.

 

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