Hey there! If you have tomatoes growing in your garden or just love a hearty, comforting dish, then you’re in for a treat! Tomato Stew, or Yakhnit Banadoura as it’s traditionally known, is a flavorful dish that has become a favorite in my home. It’s easy, quick, and packed with the rich, robust flavors of tomatoes, ground beef, and warm spices. Plus, it’s ready in less than 30 minutes perfect for busy weeknights!
Method
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. Make sure the tomatoes are washed and diced, the onion is finely chopped, and the garlic is crushed. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process smoother.
Sauteing the Onions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onions. Stir them gently and let them sauté until they become translucent and emit a sweet, fragrant aroma. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The onions should not brown, as this can give the stew a bitter taste.
Cooking the Ground Beef
After the onions are softened, add the lean ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon to prevent clumping. Add the 7 spice (or all spice), salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally, allowing the meat to brown evenly. This step usually takes around 5-7 minutes. Make sure the beef is cooked through and there is no pink left. Browning the beef well at this stage is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor in the stew.
Adding Tomatoes and Garlic
Once the beef is browned, it’s time to add the diced tomatoes and crushed garlic. Stir everything together to combine the flavors. The tomatoes will release their juices, creating a beautiful, aromatic base. At this point, lower the heat to a simmer.
Simmering the Stew
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This slow cooking allows the tomatoes to break down and merge with the beef, creating a hearty, thick sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent the stew from sticking to the bottom. The consistency should be thick and stew-like once done.
Final Touches
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes, a pinch more salt or a hint of pepper can make all the difference. If the stew seems too thick, you can add a splash of water to loosen it up. Once the tomatoes are fully softened and the flavors have melded, remove from heat.
Serving
Serve the Tomato Stew hot over a bed of fluffy white rice or bulgur. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if you like.
Necessary Tools
- Large pot
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
Tomato Stew Recipe
Cuisine: West AfricanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
1/2 kg lean ground beef
10-15 tomatoes, diced
1 large onion, diced
2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp 7 spice (or all spice)
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the lean ground beef to the pot. Season with the 7 spice, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Add the diced tomatoes and crushed garlic to the beef mixture. Stir well.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and melded into the sauce.
- Serve hot over a bed of rice for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Make sure to brown the beef properly to enhance flavor don’t rush this step!
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best sauce consistency.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking or burning.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fluffy white rice or bulgur for a classic combination.
- Add a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
- Top with a dollop of plain yogurt for a creamy contrast.
Fun Fact
Did you know that in some regions, this dish is served as a cold appetizer? The combination of cooked tomatoes and chilled beef is surprisingly refreshing!
Conclusion
Tomato Stew (Yakhnit Banadoura) is one of those dishes that you can whip up quickly, but it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients makes the flavors truly shine, and it’s sure to be a hit whether served at a family dinner or a casual lunch. Try it out, and let me know how you like it!
