This Nigerian Beef Stew is packed with flavor! It’s made with tender beef, tasty tomatoes, and a mix of spices that warm you right up. Perfect over rice or with some crusty bread!
The best part? I love how easy it is to make a big batch—great for sharing or having leftovers to enjoy later. Just be ready for some kitchen dancing while it simmers! 💃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Using beef chuck or stewing beef is ideal as it becomes tender during cooking. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using chicken thighs or goat meat as substitutes.
Vegetable Oil: For an authentic taste, palm oil is the best choice. If you prefer a lighter flavor, go for vegetable oil or olive oil. Just keep in mind the richness of palm oil!
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes bring out the best flavor, but canned crushed tomatoes work well too. If fresh are too pricey, grab a can for convenience without sacrificing taste.
Scotch Bonnet Peppers: These add a nice kick. You can swap with jalapeños for less heat or use them sparingly. If you’re sensitive to spice, consider omitting them altogether or using sweet bell peppers instead.
Green Beans: They add a pop of color and nutrition. If they’re not available, any green veggies you enjoy, like spinach or peas, can be delicious alternatives!
How Do You Get Perfectly Tender Beef in Your Stew?
Cooking the beef perfectly is crucial for a great stew! Start by searing the beef in hot oil to lock in flavors and create a nice crust. Patience is key when simmering the stew; low and slow cooking, around 1.5 to 2 hours on low heat, works wonders.
- Brown the beef in batches to avoid steaming. Too much meat at once lowers the pan temperature.
- After adding the broth, bring it to a boil; reduce to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it work its magic.
- Check occasionally, stirring and adding more liquid if needed to keep it from drying out.
These simple steps will ensure your beef is wonderfully tender and infused with all the flavors of the stew.
Nigerian Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef (chuck or stewing beef), cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or palm oil for authentic flavor)
- 6 large ripe tomatoes, blended or 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes
- 2 large red bell peppers, blended
- 1 large onion, half blended with tomatoes, half sliced for frying
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2-3 Scotch bonnet peppers (or habanero), blended (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste (optional, for richness)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1-2 cups chopped green beans (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Nigerian Beef Stew will take about 20 minutes for preparation and 1.5 to 2 hours for simmering. So, set aside around 2.5 hours in total to cook and let the flavors meld beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Season the beef chunks with a good pinch of salt and black pepper. In a large pot, add a little oil and heat it up. Sear the beef on medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned on all sides. Once done, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
2. Make the Tomato Base:
In a blender, toss in the ripe tomatoes, red bell peppers, half of the onion, Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and ginger. Blend everything together until it becomes a smooth mixture.
3. Cook the Base:
Using the same pot, add the remaining oil and sauté the sliced onions. Cook them until they are translucent and lightly browned—this will add great flavor!
4. Add the Tomato Mixture:
Pour your blended tomato mixture into the pot. Give it a good stir and cook it over medium heat. You want to stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and reduces, which should take about 15-20 minutes. If you’re using tomato paste for extra richness, stir it in too.
5. Season the Stew:
Add in the thyme, curry powder, smoked paprika, and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking and give it another stir to combine all the flavors.
6. Simmer with Beef:
Return the browned beef pieces to the pot and pour in enough beef broth or water to barely cover the beef. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender. Remember to stir occasionally, adding more broth or water if it gets too dry.
7. Add Green Beans:
About 10 minutes before the stew is finished, stir in the chopped green beans (if using) and cook until they are just tender. They add a nice crunch!
8. Finish and Serve:
Give the stew a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added flavor and color. Serve hot with fluffy white rice, fried plantains, or some crusty bread.
Enjoy every hearty bite of your rich Nigerian Beef Stew!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Stew?
Absolutely! While chuck or stewing beef is recommended for its tenderness, you can also use brisket or flank steak. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the cut you’re using; tougher cuts may need extra time to become tender.
How Can I Make This Stew Spicier?
If you want more heat, simply increase the amount of Scotch bonnet peppers or habanero peppers you blend into the sauce. Alternatively, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder for an extra kick. Just be cautious and add a little at a time to ensure it doesn’t get too hot!
What Can I Substitute for Palm Oil?
If palm oil isn’t available, you can use any neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil. However, if you want a similar depth of flavor, consider adding a bit of butter or ghee alongside the neutral oil to mimic the richness of palm oil.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover Nigerian Beef Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just ensure to let it cool completely before freezing and thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to reheat!
