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Authentic South African Potjiekos

Name: Authentic South African Potjiekos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: {'ingredient': 'Beef chuck', 'amount': '1 kg, cubed'}; {'ingredient': 'Onions', 'amount': '2, chopped'}; {'ingredient': 'Garlic', 'amount': '4 cloves, minced'}; {'ingredient': 'Carrots', 'amount': '4, peeled and sliced'}; {'ingredient': 'Potatoes', 'amount': '6 medium, peeled and quartered'}; {'ingredient': 'Green beans', 'amount': '250g, trimmed'}; {'ingredient': 'Beef stock', 'amount': '4 cups'}; {'ingredient': 'Red wine', 'amount': '1 cup'}; {'ingredient': 'Bay leaves', 'amount': '2'}; {'ingredient': 'Salt and pepper', 'amount': 'to taste'}; {'ingredient': 'Vegetable oil', 'amount': '2 tablespoons'}

Potjiekos, a heartwarming stew seeping with rich flavors, is a traditional South African dish that has been savored for centuries. This one-pot wonder is a symphony of tender beef chuck, earthy vegetables, and a deeply savory sauce, all slow-cooked over an open fire in a distinctive three-legged pot, or 'potjie'. This dish is more than just a meal, it's an experience that brings people together, much like a South African barbecue or 'braai'. Enjoy the ritual of slow cooking and the delightful anticipation as the aromas deepen throughout the day, culminating in a mouthwatering feast that's worth the wait.

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Beef chuck: 1 kg, cubed
Onions: 2, chopped
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Carrots: 4, peeled and sliced
Potatoes: 6 medium, peeled and quartered
Green beans: 250g, trimmed
Beef stock: 4 cups
Red wine: 1 cup
Bay leaves: 2
Salt and pepper: to taste
Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons

Instructions

Prepare your potjie pot by heating it over an open fire. Add in the vegetable oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes. Cook until they are browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant.
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, quartered potatoes, trimmed green beans, beef stock, red wine, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper.
Cover the pot with its lid, then allow the stew to simmer over a low heat. This slow cooking process should take about 4 hours. It's important not to stir the potjie, as this is a slow fusion of flavors rather than a mix.
Once the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully, your Potjiekos is ready. Serve it hot, straight from the pot for a truly authentic experience.

Dietary Information

Servings: 6 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 30 minutes • Cook Time: 4 hours • Calories: 500 • Fat: 20g • Carbs: 35g • Protein: 45g • Sodium: 600mg • Sugar: 7g