Slow-Cooked Kenyan Nyama Choma with Spiced Ugali

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-cooked beef infused with traditional Kenyan spices served alongside creamy ugali made from maize flour. This african-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, vegetable oil, large onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 African cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, turning frequently until deeply seared.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large finely chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the beef. Sauté for 4 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes until the spices bloom and coat the meat.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups beef broth, season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: While the beef cooks, bring 4 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in 2 cups maize flour to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring continuously until thick and smooth.
  6. Step 6: Remove the ugali from heat and stir in 2 tbsp butter until melted and creamy.
  7. Step 7: To serve, plate a generous scoop of ugali topped with the slow-cooked beef stew, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Kenyan Nyama Choma with Spiced Ugali take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Kenyan Nyama Choma with Spiced Ugali?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Kenyan Nyama Choma with Spiced Ugali?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Kenyan Nyama Choma with Spiced Ugali for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Kenyan Nyama Choma with Spiced Ugali?

African beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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