Nyama yeMombe (Zimbabwean Beef Stew)
In short: Beef browned and simmered with onion, tomato, carrots and potatoes into a thick gravy, the Zimbabwean Sunday stew served with sadza and greens. It takes about 2 h 55 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 2 h 30 min
- Total
- 2 h 55 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 470 kcal
Nyama yemombe is beef stew, the meat most Zimbabweans picture when they say sadza and relish. Chunks of beef are browned, then simmered slowly with onion, tomato, carrots and potatoes until the gravy turns thick and glossy. A spoonful of maize meal stirred in at the end gives the gravy body in the traditional way. Serve it with sadza and a side of greens, with plenty of gravy for dipping.
Instructions
- Pat the beef dry and season it with 1 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef in two batches, about 5 minutes per batch, until deeply browned on all sides. Set aside.
- Add the remaining oil and cook the onions for 6 to 7 minutes, until golden. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then add the tomatoes and cook for 6 minutes, until they form a thick sauce.
- Return the beef and its juices to the pot. Add the water, thyme, bay leaf and the remaining salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Add the carrots and potatoes. Cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes more, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the maize meal mixture and simmer uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes, until the gravy is thick and glossy. Remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust the salt.
- Serve hot with sadza and a side of greens.
Tips
- Choose beef chuck or shin, which turn tender and silky in a slow simmer. Lean cuts such as sirloin dry out in a stew.
- The stew tastes better the next day. Cool it quickly, refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months, and reheat until steaming hot.
Questions and answers
How do I thicken Zimbabwean beef stew?
Stir 1 tablespoon of fine maize meal mixed with a little cold water into the simmering stew and cook for 5 to 8 minutes. Cornstarch works too.
What goes with nyama yemombe?
Sadza is the classic partner, along with greens such as muriwo une dovi or boiled cabbage. Rice works well too.
Can I cook it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef and vegetables first, then cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. Thicken with the maize meal mixture at the end.
How long does it take to make Nyama yeMombe (Zimbabwean Beef Stew)?
About 2 h 55 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 2 h 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Nyama yeMombe (Zimbabwean Beef Stew)?
About 470 kcal per serving, with 34 g of protein, 25 g of carbohydrates and 25 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 470 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
