Moroccan Beef Stew Recipe
Transport your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this aromatic and hearty Moroccan beef stew. Infused with a blend of warm spices, sweet dried fruits, and tender beef, this stew is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet. Let's embark on a culinary journey and create a Moroccan-inspired dish that will fill your kitchen with enticing aromas.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1 cup prunes, pitted
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Cooked couscous for serving
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Work in batches to ensure even browning. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent.
3. Spice Infusion:
- Add ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, paprika, ground ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
4. Tomato Base:
- Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Allow the mixture to cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
5. Return Beef to the Pot:
- Add the browned beef back to the pot, coating it with the flavorful spice and tomato mixture.
6. Simmer with Broth:
- Pour in beef broth, ensuring the meat is covered. Bring the stew to a simmer.
7. Dried Fruits Addition:
- Add halved dried apricots and pitted prunes to the pot, stirring gently to distribute them evenly.
8. Low and Slow Cooking:
- Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for 2-2.5 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
9. Toast Almonds:
- While the stew simmers, toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet until golden brown. Set aside for garnish.
10. Serve Over Couscous:
- Prepare couscous according to package instructions.
- Serve the Moroccan beef stew over the cooked couscous.
11. Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish the stew with toasted sliced almonds and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfect Moroccan Beef Stew:
- Adjust Spices:
Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your preference. Add more cayenne pepper for heat or adjust the quantities of individual spices.
- Dried Fruit Options:
Experiment with different dried fruits like figs, dates, or raisins for a variation in flavor.
Now that you've mastered the art of making Moroccan beef stew, savor the rich and aromatic blend of spices that defines this exotic dish. Serve it over rise, quinoa, or pasta and enjoy a taste of Morocco in the comfort of your own home.
