Heritage Tomato Lamb Stew
Indulge in the rich flavors of South Africa with this traditional Heritage Tomato Lamb Stew (Tamatiebredie). This hearty and comforting dish combines tender chunks of stewing lamb with juicy, vine-ripened heritage tomatoes. Infused with sautéed onions, garlic, and a hint of lemon, it's a dish that warms the soul and tantalizes the palate. Perfectly paired with fluffy white rice and a side of fresh vegetables, this stew is a celebration of South African culinary heritage. Bring friends and family together as you share this delightful recipe, embodying warmth, tradition, and luscious flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lamb (stewing cut)
4 (lbs, cut into chunks)
Onions
2 (large, peeled and thinly sliced)
Flour
1 (cup for coating)
Heritage Tomatoes
8 (large, ripe, peeled and chopped)
Salt
2 (teaspoons)
Worcestershire Sauce
2 (tablespoons)
Sugar
2 (teaspoons)
White Pepper
2 (teaspoons)
Garlic Cloves
6 (peeled, crushed and chopped)
Chopped Parsley
1/2 (cup)
Fresh Lemon Rind
2 (tablespoons, finely grated)
Oil
for frying
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat enough oil over medium heat. Peel and thinly slice the onions. Add the onions to the hot oil and fry, stirring continuously until they become soft and translucent without browning.
2
While the onions sauté, roll the lamb or mutton pieces in flour until well-coated. Working in batches, add the floured meat to the pot and brown them on all sides, ensuring that you do not overcrowd the pan. When browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the meat and onions and set them aside on a plate.
3
Once all the meat is browned, pour off any excess fat from the pot, then return the meat and onions to the saucepan.
4
Prepare the tomatoes by skinning them using your preferred method. Core and chop the tomatoes into chunks, adding them along with their juices into the pot with the meat and onion mixture.
5
In the pot, incorporate the salt, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6
Allow the stew to simmer uncovered for a few minutes, monitoring the pot closely. The tomatoes will release their juices – do not add any water. If you feel more liquid is needed, add an extra tomato instead.
7
Reduce the heat, cover the pot slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, and let it simmer gently for about 35 minutes. If you like, quarter and add peeled potatoes at this stage.
8
Continue simmering until both the potatoes and lamb are tender yet intact, then add the crushed garlic cloves a few minutes before the stew is done cooking.
9
The final dish should exhibit a deep reddish-brown color, with the tomatoes reduced to a luscious thick sauce. If there is excess liquid, increase the heat and let it boil off while stirring frequently. Remember, never add water during this cooking process.
10
Once finished, serve the stew hot, garnished with finely grated lemon rind and chopped parsley. This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice, and can be complemented with fresh vegetables and a green salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heritage Tomato Lamb Stew?
Heritage Tomato Lamb Stew, also known as Tamatiebredie, is a traditional South African dish featuring tender lamb and vine-ripened heritage tomatoes.
What type of meat is used in this stew?
The recipe uses 4 lbs of lamb stewing cut or mutton pieces cut into chunks.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include lamb, heritage tomatoes, onions, flour, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, white pepper, and lemon rind.
How many tomatoes are needed for the stew?
The recipe requires 8 large, ripe heritage tomatoes that have been peeled and chopped.
Should I add water to the lamb stew?
No, the recipe specifically instructs never to add water. The tomatoes will release their own juices for the sauce.
What should I do if the stew needs more liquid?
If you feel more liquid is needed, you should add an extra tomato instead of water.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for the recipe?
The tomatoes should be skinned, cored, and chopped into chunks along with their juices.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
The lamb pieces are rolled in flour to help them brown effectively and to eventually thicken the stew sauce.
How should the onions be cooked?
Onions should be thinly sliced and fried in oil until soft and translucent without browning.
Why should I brown the meat in batches?
Browning in batches ensures you do not overcrowd the pan, allowing the meat to sear properly.
What seasonings are used in the Heritage Tomato Lamb Stew?
The stew is seasoned with salt, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and white pepper.
When do I add the garlic to the pot?
The crushed garlic cloves should be added a few minutes before the stew is done cooking.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
After adding the tomatoes and seasonings, the stew should simmer gently for about 35 minutes.
Can I add potatoes to this stew?
Yes, you can add quartered and peeled potatoes during the simmering stage.
What color should the final dish be?
The final dish should exhibit a deep reddish-brown color with a thick tomato sauce.
How do I reduce excess liquid in the stew?
If there is too much liquid, increase the heat and let it boil off while stirring frequently.
What is used to garnish the stew?
The stew is garnished with finely grated lemon rind and chopped parsley.
What side dishes go well with Heritage Tomato Lamb Stew?
This dish is perfectly paired with fluffy white rice, fresh vegetables, and a green salad.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 garlic cloves, which should be peeled, crushed, and chopped.
Is there sugar in this stew?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of sugar are added to the stew to balance the flavors.
How many onions are required?
You will need 2 large onions that are peeled and thinly sliced.
How much parsley is used for the garnish?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped parsley.
What is the heat setting for browning the meat?
The meat and onions should be cooked over medium heat.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
The pot should be covered slightly ajar to allow steam to escape while it simmers.
What is the role of lemon rind in this dish?
Finely grated lemon rind is used as a garnish to add a hint of citrus and brighten the flavors.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and comforting dish that warms the soul.
What type of pepper is used?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 teaspoons of white pepper.
What is the preparation for the lamb?
The lamb should be cut into chunks and rolled in a cup of flour for coating.
Can this dish be shared with family?
Yes, it is a traditional heritage recipe designed to bring friends and family together.