
A slow-braised Chadian beef shank stew with caramelised onion, tomato, and warm spices.
Jarret de Bœuf Tchadien is a French-influenced stew that became embedded in Chadian urban cooking during the colonial era. A generous beef shank is browned and then slow-braised in a deeply savoury tomato and onion sauce spiced with cumin, ginger, and black pepper. The collagen from the shank bone melts into the broth creating a glossy, unctuous sauce. It is served at family gatherings alongside rice, aiysh, or flatbread.
Serves 4
Season beef with salt and spices. Heat oil in a heavy pot over high heat and brown beef on both sides for 8 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot reduce heat to medium, add onions and cook for 20 minutes until deep golden-brown.
Add tomatoes and cook 5 minutes. Return beef, add 500 ml water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 90 minutes.
Uncover and cook 10 minutes to reduce sauce to a glossy consistency. Adjust seasoning.
Serve over rice or aiysh, spooning extra sauce over the top.
Low and slow is the key to melting collagen and tender meat.
Beef marrow bones added to the pot enrich the sauce further.
Add diced potato or carrot for a more complete one-pot meal.
Finish with fresh coriander or parsley.
Refrigerate up to 3 days. Flavour improves overnight.
French colonial administrators brought braising techniques to Chad in the early 20th century. Local cooks adapted the methods to native beef, tomatoes, and Sahelian spice blends, creating a distinctly Chadian dish.
Yes — cook for 40 minutes at pressure then reduce sauce uncovered.
Per serving (400g) · 4 servings total
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