Egusi Stew

A simple take on a classic west African dish.

• Ready In: 1 hr 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup  peanut oil
• 2  lbs stewing beef
• 1⁄2 lb  peeled deveined shrimp
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 28  ounces chopped tomatoes
• 1  tablespoon tomato paste
• 1  cup  ground  pumpkin seeds (egusi)
• 1  lb frozen chopped spinach
• 2  tablespoons  beef base
•  salt, to taste
•  pepper, to taste
•  red pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Heat oil in a skillet and add beef until browned but not cooked. Transfer beef to a dutch over or pot.
2. Cover beef with water, add beef base and stir.
3. Add remaining ingredients except egusi, bring to a boil then reduce to simmer.
4. Add egusi.
5. Simmer for at least an hour, possibly more. Add water to thin or more egusi to thicken the stew. Add salt to taste.