World Spice Merchants : Recipes : Mavrou Steak

This savory steak dish was brought to the Cape of South Africa by Malay workers during Dutch colonial settlement. Capetown Masala is the heart (and heat!) of the flavor.

Serves 4

1/4 cup freshly ground Capetown Masala

1 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste

2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 pound cube steak, cut into large pieces

2 large onions, sliced

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cups chicken stock

1 large tomato, seeded and diced

Combine Masala, salt, ginger and garlic in a medium-sized bowl.
Add meat, tossing to coat, and set aside 20 minutes while pre-heating oven to 350¤F.
Set Dutch oven or flame-proof casserole over medium-high heat and add oil.
Add onions and stir until translucent, 3-5 minutes.
Add seasoned meat and sear briefly on all sides.
Add chicken stock, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
Stir in tomato.
Transfer to oven and bake uncovered 20 minutes or until meat is tender.

Serve over rice.

From The Contemporary Encyclopedia of Herbs & Spices