Bredie is a beloved South African stew with deep flavors and hearty ingredients, often enjoyed during colder months. Its roots lie in Cape Malay cuisine, and it typically features slow-cooked meat (like lamb or mutton) combined with vegetables, aromatic spices, and herbs. Below are two classic bredie recipes to try at home.

Tomato Bredie Recipe

Tomato bredie is a classic favorite, known for its rich tomato base and tender lamb.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg lamb or mutton, cut into chunks

• 2 large onions, chopped

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter

• 5 large ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of tomatoes)

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup beef or vegetable stock

Instructions:

Brown the Meat: Heat oil in a large pot and brown the lamb pieces on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Onions: In the same pot, sauté onions until golden and soft. Add garlic, cinnamon, and ginger, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes: Stir with chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down.

Combine Ingredients: Return the lamb to the pot, add potatoes, and pour in the stock—season with salt and pepper.

Simmer: Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the sauce is thickened.

Serve: Serve hot with fluffy white rice or crusty bread.

Green Bean Bredie Recipe

Green bean bredie combines tender lamb with fresh green beans for a simple yet flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg lamb or mutton, cut into chunks

• 500 g fresh green beans, trimmed and halved

• 2 medium onions, chopped

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup beef or vegetable stock

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Lamb: Heat oil in a large pot and brown the lamb pieces. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Onions: In the same pot, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic, coriander, and cumin, and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add Green Beans: Stir in the green beans and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.

Combine Ingredients: Return the lamb to the pot, add potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and stock, and season with salt and pepper.

Simmer: Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the potatoes are soft.

Serve: Serve with freshly baked bread or pap for an authentic South African experience.

Tips for the Perfect Bredie

• Meat Choice: Lamb is traditional but beef or chicken can be substituted for a different flavor profile.

• Vegetables: While tomatoes and green beans are the most common, you can experiment with other vegetables like carrots or butternut squash.

• Slow Cooking: Bredie is best cooked low and slow to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

• Serving: Always pair bredie with a starchy side like rice, bread, or even South African pap for a complete meal.

Enjoy the warmth and tradition of South African cuisine with these hearty bredie recipes! 

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Cumin powder

Coriander Powder

Ginger Powder