| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2 hrs 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 540 | 35g | 14g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 45g | 1.28g |
If you asked me to choose one dish that resonates with my culinary journey and philosophy, it would be the Black Cardamom-Spiced Beef Stew. This hearty stew encapsulates both the inviting warmth of Southern food that I grew up with in Atlanta, and the punchy bold flavors of West African cuisine I inherited from my Nigerian lineage. This unique combination results in a sublime culinary experience that graces my kitchen often.
Nostalgia Meets Adventure in One Pot
The Black Cardamom-Spiced Beef Stew is a harmonious blend of familiar and novel, comfort and excitement. The beef and root vegetables like carrots and potatoes bring a comforting depth to the dish that I find so reminiscent of the homely Southern stews we used to tuck into on chilly nights in Atlanta. The black cardamom adds an unexpected, smoky and intense flavor that transforms the stew into a sensorial trip to West Africa. This fusion, for me, is what makes this stew an absolute showstopper.
Also, this recipe shares a distinct similarity with Nigerian soups like the popular ‘Efo Riro’ but also with Southern classics like slow-cooked beef stew. It could be paired perfectly with a simple rustic loaf of bread or alongside Nigerian staples like jollof rice.
Flavorful and Nutritious Goodness
Apart from its delectable flavors, this dish also packs a nutritional punch. Rich in lean protein from the chuck beef and packed with fiber and vitamins from the carrots, peas and potatoes, it’s a balanced meal option. Moreover, the use of black cardamom and other spices like turmeric, cumin and coriander don’t just enhance its flavor but also contribute to its overall health benefits. Turmeric, for example, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while cumin is said to aid digestion.
I believe that good food doesn’t have to be complicated, and recipes like the Black Cardamom-Spiced Beef Stew underscore this belief. It is a testament to the beauty of bringing together simple, wholesome ingredients and letting the flavors shine, resulting in a dish that’s not just incredibly delicious but also rich in nutritional value.
More about the health benefits of this stew’s ingredients can be found at trusted resources such as Healthline and WebMD.
So here it is, my journey, my love for wholesome Southern comfort food, and my passion for the vibrant flavors of my West African heritage simmered into one unforgettable dish. The Black Cardamom-Spiced Beef Stew is every bit as tasty as it’s nurturing and will leave your tastebuds yearning for more.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs of chuck beef, cut into chunks
- 3 black cardamom pods
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups of beef broth
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup of chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup of fresh or canned sweet peas
- 2 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chuck beef chunks and cook until they become brown. This process may take about 7-10 minutes.
Step Two
While the beef is browning, grind the black cardamom pods. Afterwards, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped fresh ginger to the pot. Cook until the onions become translucent.
Step Three
Add the ground black cardamom to the pot along with the ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, red chili flakes, and salt to taste. Stir well to coat the beef and onions with the spices.
Step Four
Once the spices are well mixed, add in the beef broth, chopped carrots, chopped potatoes, and chopped tomatoes to the pot. Let the mixture come to a boil before reducing the heat and allowing it to simmer. Cover the pot and let the stew cook for about an hour until the vegetables are tender.
Step Five
Once the vegetables are tender, add the sweet peas to the pot and let them cook for an additional 10 minutes. Lastly, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step Six
To finish, ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy your Black Cardamom-Spiced Beef Stew!
