| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 385 | 16g | 5g | 34g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 17g | 6g | 26g | 0.77g |
Imagine this, you come home from a long day, the weather’s perhaps a littler cooler than you might like. You’re in need of something hearty, something comforting and deeply warming from your toes to your nose. Cue your new best friend: Grains of Selim Spiced Beef Stew. This is a dish that celebrates the coming together of diverse ingredients and cultures, much like my own identity, and needless to say, it holds a special place in my heart.
The Marriage of Flavors
There’s something rather magical about Grains of Selim Spiced Beef Stew. It’s a culinary journey, a fusion of my Pacific Northwest upbringing with my deep Japanese roots, and speckled with a hint of African cuisine, thanks to the use of Grains of Selim. This spice blend Grains of Selim, sometimes known as African pepper, lends an exotic note to this comforting stew, creating a dish that is as intriguing as it is satisfying. The dried apricots further add a sweet counterpoint to the rich flavors of the beef and hearty potatoes.
The Health Sidekick You Never Knew You Needed
Beyond the symphony of flavors, this recipe also ticks all the boxes when it comes to health benefits. Lean beef provides a good source of protein and helps keep you feeling satiated, while the abundance of vegetables offers a whole host of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Plus, the extra-virgin olive oil and honey combine wonderfully to give you a dose of heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.
The Perfect Companion
It’s versatile too, Grains of Selim Spiced Beef Stew works well as the main course, served hot over a bed of fluffy rice, or alongside a variety of dishes. I personally love it with a side of Crispy Roasted Kale for a touch of bitterness and a delightful crunch to contrast with the tender stewed beef. Or pair it with an easy-to-make Red Cabbage Slaw with Apple and Caraway Seeds for a light accompaniment.
This stew is a one-pot wonder, a soul-stirring antidote to a chill day or just when you need a bit of footloose and fancy-free in your kitchen endeavors. Rest assured, the Grains of Selim Spiced Beef Stew is ready to become a staple in your recipe repertoire, filling your home and heart with warmth.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Grains of Selim spice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Hot cooked rice, for serving
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and season them with the Grains of Selim spice, salt, and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step Two
Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until it softens and starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
Step Three
Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Step Four
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, chopped dried apricots, and cinnamon stick. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 hours until the beef is tender.
Step Five
Remove the cinnamon stick from the stew. Stir in the honey and lemon juice, then taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Step Six
Right before serving, stir in the fresh chopped cilantro. Serve the stew hot over rice.
