Botswana Beef and Bean Stew with Pap is a traditional and hearty dish from Botswana, featuring a savory stew made with beef or lamb, kidney beans, and vegetables, all served over a bed of pap, a staple cornmeal porridge. Popular during family gatherings and special occasions, this dish reflects Botswana’s rich culinary traditions, using locally sourced ingredients to create a nourishing and comforting meal. Especially enjoyed during colder weather, it provides warmth, sustenance, and an energy-boosting experience.

Ingredients

For the Stew:

- 1 lb beef or lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

- 1 onion, diced

- 1 green pepper, diced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tomatoes, diced

- 2 tbsp tomato paste

- 2 cups water

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 tsp black pepper

- 1 tsp paprika

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp ground coriander

- 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Pap:

- 2 cups maize meal

- 4 cups water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Stew:

 - Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, green pepper, and garlic until the onion is translucent.

 - Add the beef or lamb and cook until browned on all sides.

 - Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and coriander. Mix well.

 - Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender.

 - Add the kidney beans and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.

2. Make the Pap:

 - Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a separate pot.

 - Gradually add maize meal to the boiling water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

 - Reduce heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pap thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.

3. Serve:

 - Spoon a generous portion of pap onto a plate and top with the beef and bean stew.

Nutrition Value:

1. Beef or Lamb (1 lb):

 - Calories: 800 (for beef), 700 (for lamb)

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Protein: 60 g

 - Fat: 60 g (for beef), 70 g (for lamb)

 - Sodium: 75 mg

 - Cholesterol: 200 mg

 - Vitamins: B12 (high), B6, niacin

 - Minerals: Iron (high), zinc, phosphorus

 - Nutritional Benefit: High in protein and iron, supports muscle growth, and provides essential nutrients for energy and overall health.

2. Kidney Beans (1 can):

 - Calories: 210

 - Carbohydrates: 36 g

 - Protein: 13 g

 - Fat: 1 g

 - Sodium: 360 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: Folate, B1

 - Minerals: Iron, potassium, magnesium

 - Nutritional Benefit: High in protein and fiber, aids digestion, supports heart health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

3. Onion (1 medium):

 - Calories: 45

 - Carbohydrates: 11 g

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Sodium: 5 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6

 - Minerals: Manganese, calcium, potassium

 - Nutritional Benefit: Provides antioxidants and vitamins that support immune function and overall health.

4. Green Pepper (1 medium):

 - Calories: 25

 - Carbohydrates: 6 g

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Sodium: 3 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: Vitamin C, A

 - Minerals: Potassium, folate

 - Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamins A and C, supports immune function and skin health.

5. Garlic (2 cloves):

 - Calories: 10

 - Carbohydrates: 2 g

 - Protein: 0.5 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Sodium: 1 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6

 - Minerals: Manganese, calcium

 - Nutritional Benefit: Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, supports cardiovascular health.

6. Tomatoes (2 medium):

 - Calories: 40

 - Carbohydrates: 9 g

 - Protein: 2 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Sodium: 10 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: Vitamin C, A

 - Minerals: Potassium, folate

 - Nutritional Benefit: High in antioxidants and vitamins, supports heart health and skin.

7. Tomato Paste (2 tbsp):

 - Calories: 30

 - Carbohydrates: 7 g

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Sodium: 20 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: Vitamin C, A

 - Minerals: Potassium

 - Nutritional Benefit: Concentrated source of nutrients and antioxidants, enhances flavor and nutritional profile of dishes.

8. Water (2 cups):

 - Calories: 0

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Protein: 0 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Sodium: 0 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: None

 - Minerals: None

 - Nutritional Benefit: Essential for hydration, cooking, and nutrient absorption.

9. Salt (1 tsp):

 - Calories: 0

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Protein: 0 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Sodium: 2300 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: None

 - Minerals: Sodium

 - Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor but should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.

10. Black Pepper (1 tsp):

 - Calories: 6

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5 g

 - Protein: 0.2 g

 - Fat: 0.1 g

 - Sodium: 1 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: Vitamin K

 - Minerals: Iron, manganese

 - Nutritional Benefit: Provides antioxidants and supports digestion.

11. Paprika (1 tsp):

 - Calories: 6

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Protein: 0.3 g

 - Fat: 0.3 g

 - Sodium: 1 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: Vitamin A

 - Minerals: Iron

 - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and color, contains antioxidants, and supports immune health.

12. Ground Cumin (1 tsp):

 - Calories: 8

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Protein: 0.4 g

 - Fat: 0.5 g

 - Sodium: 1 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: Vitamin C

 - Minerals: Iron, manganese

 - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and has antioxidant properties.

13. Ground Coriander (1 tsp):

 - Calories: 5

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Protein: 0.2 g

 - Fat: 0.3 g

 - Sodium: 0 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: Vitamin C

 - Minerals: Iron, manganese

 - Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor, provides antioxidants, and supports digestion.

14. Vegetable Oil (1 tbsp):

 - Calories: 120

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Protein: 0 g

 - Fat: 14 g

 - Sodium: 0 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: Vitamin E

 - Minerals: None

 - Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential fatty acids and vitamins, contributes to energy.

15. Maize Meal (2 cups):

 - Calories: 480

 - Carbohydrates: 96 g

 - Protein: 12 g

 - Fat: 2 g

 - Sodium: 0 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: B vitamins

 - Minerals: Iron, magnesium, phosphorus

 - Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy, supports digestive health, and offers essential vitamins and minerals.

16. Water (4 cups):

 - Calories: 0

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Protein: 0 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Sodium: 0 mg

 - Cholesterol: 0 mg

 - Vitamins: None

 - Minerals: None

 - Nutritional Benefit: Essential for hydration and cooking, facilitates the preparation of maize meal.

Chef Culinary Creationss

I am a passionate chef, dedicated to crafting exceptional culinary experiences.

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