Potjiekos (Namibian Beef and Vegetable Pot Stew)
In short: Beef, onions and root vegetables layered in a heavy pot and cooked slowly without stirring until the meat is tender and the vegetables hold their shape. It takes about 3 h 30 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 3 h
- Total
- 3 h 30 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 550 kcal
Potjiekos, or pot food, is the slow-cooked stew Namibians make over an open fire in a three-legged cast-iron pot, often for a weekend gathering. The trick is the layering: browned meat and onions go in first, vegetables go on top and the pot is never stirred, so each layer cooks in its own steam and the potatoes keep their shape. This oven and stovetop version tastes much the same.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large heavy pot or cast-iron Dutch oven. Brown the beef in 3 batches over high heat for about 4 minutes per batch, then set it aside.
- Cook the onions in the same pot for 6 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Return the beef to the pot with the bay leaves, salt, pepper and coriander. Pour in the wine and water, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook over very low heat for 1 1/2 hours. Do not stir.
- Layer the carrots, then the potatoes, then the pumpkin on top of the meat, without stirring. Scatter the green beans last.
- Cover and cook for 45 to 60 minutes, still without stirring, until the potatoes are tender and the beef is falling apart. If the liquid looks low, add 100 ml hot water down the side of the pot.
- Remove from the heat and rest for 10 minutes. Serve straight from the pot, spooning the meat and vegetables out in layers.
Tips
- Use a heavy pot with a tight lid. A 150°C (300°F) oven works as well as a low flame and gives even heat all around.
- Do not stir after the vegetables go in. Stirring turns potatoes into mush, and the layered steam is what cooks everything evenly.
Questions and answers
Can I make potjiekos in the oven?
Yes. Cover the pot and cook at 150°C (300°F), following the same timings. Keep the lid on and do not stir.
What cuts of beef work best?
Chuck, shin or oxtail, which are rich in connective tissue and turn tender after long cooking. Lean cuts dry out.
Can I swap the wine?
Yes. Replace it with beef stock or water plus a tablespoon of vinegar.
How long does it take to make Potjiekos (Namibian Beef and Vegetable Pot Stew)?
About 3 h 30 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 3 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Potjiekos (Namibian Beef and Vegetable Pot Stew)?
About 550 kcal per serving, with 36 g of protein, 33 g of carbohydrates and 26 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 550 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
