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Recipe for Potjiekos, a traditional South African stew
Potjiekos: A hearty stew prepared in a three-legged cast-iron pot called a “potjie.” It typically includes meat (such as beef, lamb, or game), vegetables, and spices. Potjiekos is cooked slowly over an open fire, allowing the flavours to meld together.
Potjiekos is a traditional South African stew cooked in a three-legged cast-iron pot called a potjie. It’s a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for gatherings and outdoor cooking. Here’s a basic recipe for potjiekos:
Ingredients: Potjiekos
- 2 kg (4.4 lbs) of meat (beef, lamb, or chicken), cubed
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2-3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2-3 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), seeded and sliced
- 250 g (8.8 oz) green beans, trimmed and halved
- 250 g (8.8 oz) baby marrows (zucchini), sliced
- 250 g (8.8 oz) cabbage, shredded
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 2 teaspoons dried mixed herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 500 ml (2 cups) beef or vegetable stock
- Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish
Note: The ingredient quantities can be adjusted based on your preferences and the number of servings you desire.
Method:
- Heat the vegetable oil in the potjie pot over medium heat. Brown the meat in batches until it’s nicely seared. Remove the meat and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, green beans, baby marrows, and cabbage to the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Return the meat to the potjie pot. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, curry powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
- Pour in the stock, ensuring it covers the ingredients. If needed, add a bit more stock or water.
- Place the lid on the potjie pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the stew to simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavours have melded together. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level, adding more stock if necessary.
- Once the potjiekos is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or coriander before serving. Potjiekos is traditionally enjoyed with rice or freshly baked bread.
Remember, potjiekos is a flexible dish, and you can customize it by adding or substituting ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy your flavorful South African potjie stew!