This Moroccan Apple Beef Stew is a rich and aromatic dish that beautifully blends the flavors of North Africa with a hint of sweetness from apples. Tender chunks of beef are slow-cooked with fragrant spices like cinnamon, cumin, and ginger, creating a deeply flavorful base. The addition of apples adds a unique balance to the savory beef, infusing the stew with a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the warming spices. Serve this stew over couscous or rice for a hearty and exotic meal that transports your taste buds to Morocco.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, and turmeric, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the pot and stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and honey. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Add the chopped apples and sliced carrots to the pot. Cover and let the stew simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve over couscous or rice.
This flavorful stew is a perfect mix of sweet and savory and makes for a cozy, satisfying dinner.
