TOMATO BREDIE – HEARTY LAMB AND TOMATO STEW

Tomato Bredie is a comforting South African lamb and tomato stew, slow-cooked to tender perfection. This rustic dish blends rich flavors with homestyle warmth, making it a beloved family favorite.  

INGREDIENTS 
- 1.5 kg lamb shoulder or stewing lamb, cut into cubes (approx. 3.3 lbs)  
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (30 ml / 1 fl oz)  
- 3 medium onions, chopped (450 g / 1 lb)  
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (20 g / 0.7 oz)  
- 6 large ripe tomatoes, chopped (900 g / 2 lbs)  
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (40 g / 1.4 oz)  
- 3 medium potatoes, cubed (450 g / 1 lb)  
- 2 carrots, sliced (200 g / 7 oz)  
- 2 cups beef or lamb stock (500 ml / 17 fl oz)  
- 2 bay leaves  
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (5 g / 0.18 oz)  
- 1 tsp ground cloves (5 g / 0.18 oz)  
- 1 tsp salt (5 g / 0.18 oz)  
- 1 tsp black pepper (5 g / 0.18 oz)  

PREP & COOKING TIMES
- Prep time: 25 minutes  
- Cooking time: 2–2.5 hours (slow simmer)  
- Total time: 2.5–3 hours  

STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Brown the lamb: Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add lamb cubes and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.  
2. Sauté aromatics: Add onions and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened and golden.  
3. Add tomatoes: Stir in chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook until tomatoes break down into a thick sauce.  
4. Return lamb: Place browned lamb back into the pot. Add bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper.  
5. Add stock: Pour in beef or lamb stock. Stir gently, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours.  
6. Add vegetables: Add potatoes and carrots. Continue simmering for 45–60 minutes until lamb is tender and vegetables are cooked through.  
7. Serve: Enjoy hot with rice, pap, or fresh bread.  

HELPFUL COOKING TIPS
- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor; canned tomatoes can be substituted if needed.  
- Cook low and slow—this stew develops deeper flavor the longer it simmers.  
- Add potatoes later in cooking to prevent them from breaking down too much.  
- For extra richness, add a splash of red wine when simmering.  
- Tomato Bredie tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING, APPROX. 1 CUP)
- Calories: 380 kcal  
- Protein: 28 g  
- Fat: 18 g  
- Carbohydrates: 28 g  
- Fiber: 4 g  
- Sugar: 6 g  

DIETARY TAGS
- High-protein  
- Dairy-free  
- Nut-free  
- Contains meat (non-vegetarian)  

ALLERGON INFORMATION
- No common allergens (nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free)  
- Stock may contain gluten depending on brand used  
- Contains lamb (not suitable for vegetarians/vegans)