Beef Potjiekos
South African one-pot braised beef stew with potatoes, carrots, and onions, built on deep caramelization and slow simmering. Tender beef, sweet vegetables, and rich broth in about 90 minutes.
- Total time
- 105 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 52g
Ingredients
- 2 lb beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 medium onion, cut into thick wedges
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 lb potatoes, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
- 1 lb carrots, cut into 1-inch rounds
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup red wine (optional)
- 2 whole bay leaf
- 2 sprigs thyme, fresh
- 1 to taste salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Pat beef dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- 2
Cut potatoes into 1.5-inch chunks and carrots into 1-inch rounds. Slice onion into thick wedges.
- 3
Heat oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high until shimmering, about 90 seconds.
- 4
Work in batches: sear beef 2-3 minutes per side without stirring until deeply browned. Transfer to a plate.
- 5
Add onion wedges to the same pot. Cook 5 minutes, stirring, until edges soften and char slightly.
- 6
Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant—do not let it brown.
- 7
Stir in tomato paste. Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen the flavor.
- 8
Pour in wine (if using) and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes.
- 9
Add beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Return beef and any accumulated juices to the pot.
- 10
Bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 50 minutes until beef is tender.
- 11
Add potato and carrot chunks. Stir once. Cover and simmer 25-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- 12
Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- 13
Serve hot from the pot in shallow bowls, ladling broth over beef and vegetables.
Tools you’ll need
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (5-quart minimum)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Paper towels
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Ladle
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