Savory Beef Tagine with Sweet Potatoes and Spices
Experience the bold flavors of North Africa with this delightful Beef Tagine, featuring tender stewing beef simmered with aromatic spices, sweet potatoes, and your choice of spinach and chickpeas for a hearty twist. This dish combines the warmth of paprika and cumin with a hint of sweetness from the potatoes, creating a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings. Serve it with crusty bread or fluffy couscous to soak up the delicious sauce, and watch everyone savor every bite.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stewing beef
1 1/2-2 lbs (cubed)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
Turmeric
1 pinch (for seasoning)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Fresh chili pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
Paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Cayenne pepper
1 pinch (for seasoning)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Sweet potato
1 lb (peeled and sliced)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Butter
1 tablespoon (for dotting)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a flameproof casserole, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cubed stewing beef, turmeric, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is evenly browned on all sides.
2
Once browned, cover the pan tightly and reduce the heat to low, allowing the meat to cook gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4
Add the chopped onion, seeded and chopped chili, paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin to the pan with the beef. Pour in just enough water to cover the meat, then cover tightly with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 1 to 1 ½ hours, checking occasionally and adding a little more water if needed to keep the stew moist.
5
While the meat is cooking, peel the sweet potatoes and slice them. Place the slices in a bowl of salted water to prevent browning.
6
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the sweet potato slices. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then drain.
7
Once the meat is tender, stir in the chopped parsley and cilantro, and add a splash of water if the stew appears too dry.
8
Arrange the cooked sweet potato slices over the beef mixture and dot with the butter. Cover and return to the oven to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
9
Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Remove the lid of the casserole and cook uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, either in the oven or under the broiler, until the sweet potatoes are golden and slightly crisp.
10
Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional herbs, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beef Tagine with Sweet Potatoes and Spices?
It is a North African inspired stew featuring tender stewing beef, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices like turmeric, paprika, and cumin.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 to 2 pounds of stewing beef, which should be cubed for even cooking.
How long does the beef need to cook in the oven?
The beef should be cooked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 to 1.5 hours until tender.
What spices are included in this tagine?
This dish uses turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin for its signature bold flavors.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving of this beef tagine.
Is this beef tagine spicy?
The recipe includes a fresh chili pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper, which provide a mild to moderate heat that complements the sweet potatoes.
How do I prepare the sweet potatoes for the tagine?
Peel and slice the sweet potatoes, soak them in salted water to prevent browning, then simmer them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before draining.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in the Savory Beef Tagine?
Each serving provides about 22.5 grams of protein.
What should I serve with beef tagine?
This dish is best served with crusty bread or fluffy couscous to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Do I need a traditional clay tagine pot to make this?
No, a flameproof casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly for both the stovetop and oven steps.
Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
Yes, the recipe description suggests adding spinach or chickpeas for a hearty twist.
How much sweet potato is needed?
The recipe requires 1 pound of sweet potatoes.
What is the first step in cooking the meat?
Heat vegetable oil in a casserole dish and brown the cubed beef with turmeric, salt, and pepper for 3-4 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be for the final crisping step?
Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes to brown the potatoes.
Why are the sweet potatoes soaked in salted water?
Soaking the sliced sweet potatoes in salted water prevents them from browning before they are cooked.
What herbs are used as a garnish?
The recipe uses fresh chopped parsley and fresh cilantro to add brightness to the dish.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of adding butter at the end?
One tablespoon of butter is dotted over the sweet potato slices to help them become tender and golden.
How much water should I add to the stew?
Add just enough water to cover the meat before putting it in the oven, and check occasionally to add more if the stew looks dry.
Can I use a different oil for frying?
While the recipe specifies vegetable oil, any neutral high-heat oil can be used to brown the beef.
What should I do if the meat is not tender after 1.5 hours?
Ensure the lid is tightly sealed and continue cooking in the oven, checking every 15 minutes until the beef reaches your desired tenderness.
Is the onion added at the beginning with the beef?
No, the onion is added after the meat has browned and simmered for 15 minutes, right before the long oven-cooking stage.
Can I use dried chili flakes instead of fresh chili?
Yes, if fresh chili is unavailable, you can substitute with dried red pepper flakes to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 14 key ingredients, including the beef, vegetables, and various spices.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, both salt and pepper are used to taste during the initial browning of the beef.
What are the primary tags associated with this dish?
Common tags for this recipe include Moroccan stew, North African cuisine, comfort food, and slow-cooked meal.
Is this a good meal for family gatherings?
Yes, the description highlights it as a satisfying and hearty meal that is perfect for families.
Can the sweet potatoes be cooked directly in the stew?
The instructions recommend par-boiling them for 2-3 minutes first to ensure they reach the perfect texture when layered on top.
When do I add the fresh cilantro and parsley?
The herbs should be stirred in once the meat is tender, just before you arrange the sweet potatoes on top.