Slow Simmered Malagasy Beef Stew with Ginger and Tamarind

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

A hearty beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef slow-cooked with warm ginger and tangy tamarind for a rich, island-inspired depth of flavor. This african-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, vegetable oil, large onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, working in batches if necessary. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, and 3 cups beef broth. Scrape the browned bits from the pot bottom to incorporate flavor.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot along with 2 sliced medium carrots and 2 peeled cubed medium potatoes. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning if needed and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving for brightness.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Simmered Malagasy Beef Stew with Ginger and Tamarind 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 Simmered Malagasy Beef Stew with Ginger and Tamarind?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Simmered Malagasy Beef Stew with Ginger and Tamarind?

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 Simmered Malagasy Beef Stew with Ginger and Tamarind 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 Simmered Malagasy Beef Stew with Ginger and Tamarind?

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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