1. Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop 3 onions, 50g of cilantro, and 10g of dill. Dice 3 fresh tomatoes and set them aside.
Prepare the Meats: Dice 500g of chicken fillet into small bite-sized pieces. Keep the 1kg of ground beef ready.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Chicken
Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep pan, heat 80 ml of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook it until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Cook the Chicken: In the same pot, add the diced chicken fillet and cook until golden brown. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside with the beef.
3. Cook the Onion and Tomatoes
Sauté the Onions: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and sauté the finely chopped onions until they turn golden, about 5 minutes.
Add the Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes to the onions and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes soften.
4. Add Spices and Tomato Paste
Season the Vegetables: Add 3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine the spices with the vegetables.
Balance the Flavors: Add 2 teaspoons of sugar to balance the acidity from the tomatoes and tomato paste, and stir in 0.5 teaspoons of vinegar (9%) to add a subtle tang to the stew. Allow everything to cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Simmer the Stew
Combine the Meats and Vegetables: Return the browned ground beef and chicken to the pot, stirring them into the tomato-onion mixture.
Add Water: Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients (about 200-300 ml), and bring the stew to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Finish with Fresh Herbs
Add Fresh Herbs: In the final 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped cilantro and dill. Let the stew cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the herbs to infuse the dish with fresh, aromatic flavors.
7. Serve
Rest and Serve: Turn off the heat and let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, with rice, bread, or potatoes on the side for a complete and hearty meal.
Cooking Tips
Ground Beef Selection: Use a blend of ground beef with a good fat ratio (80% lean, 20% fat) for a richer flavor. The fat content helps keep the stew moist and flavorful.
Chicken Options: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a more tender and juicy texture.
Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more cumin or smoked paprika. For a bit of heat, you could also include a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chili peppers.
Thicker Stew: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can cook the stew uncovered during the last 10 minutes to let the liquid evaporate and the sauce thicken.
Storage
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Freezing: This stew freezes well. Once cooled, transfer the stew into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per Serving)
Calories: 400-450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 850mg
Sugars: 6g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact brands and quantities of ingredients used.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork, and the chicken can be swapped for turkey breast or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. You can make it a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat it before serving.
3. How do I adjust the spice levels?
If you enjoy a spicier flavor, you can add more smoked paprika or a pinch of chili flakes. For a milder dish, reduce the amount of cumin and paprika.
4. What sides go well with this stew?
This hearty stew pairs well with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. For a lighter option, you can serve it with a green salad.
5. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, if you don’t have fresh tomatoes, you can use one can of diced tomatoes (about 400g) as a substitute.
Conclusion
This Hearty Beef and Chicken Stew with Tomatoes and Herbs is a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of ground beef, tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and rich spices creates a dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to please any crowd. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and comforting meal that everyone will love.
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