Sadza with Beef Stew
Zimbabwe's national dish: a thick maize meal porridge served with a rich beef and greens stew, eaten with your hands.
- Time2 hr 30
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £3.35 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
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Method
- 1
Heat half the oil in a large heavy pan over a high heat. Brown the beef in two batches for 5 minutes each. Lift out.
10 min - 2
Add the rest of the oil and fry the onions for 8 minutes. Add the garlic, tomatoes, purée, paprika and curry powder and cook for 3 minutes.
11 min - 3
Return the beef. Dissolve the stock cube in the boiling water, pour it in, then cover and simmer gently for 1 hour 30, until the beef is tender.
90 min - 4
Stir in the spring greens and cook uncovered for 8 minutes. Season to taste.
8 min - 5
Make the sadza. Bring the 1200 ml water to the boil. Mix 100 g maize meal with a little cold water to a paste and stir it in. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5 min - 6
Add the remaining maize meal in handfuls, beating hard with a wooden spoon after each, until you have a very thick, smooth porridge. Cover and cook on low for 10 minutes. Shape into mounds and serve with the stew.
10 min
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.