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DINNER

South African Tomato Bredie (Lamb and Tomato Stew) with Samp and Beans

Experience the rich, comforting flavors of South Africa with this traditional Tomato Bredie. Tender lamb simmers in a vibrant tomato stew, perfectly complemented by a hearty side of samp and beans.

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HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

01

Pat the lamb cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

02

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches, about 3-4 minutes per batch, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove browned lamb and set aside.

03

Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, ground coriander, and ground cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

04

Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

05

While the bredie simmers, drain the soaked samp and sugar beans. In a separate pot, combine the drained samp and beans with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess water.

06

After 90 minutes, add the quartered potatoes to the bredie. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the lamb is very tender. Season with remaining salt and pepper to taste.

07

Serve the South African Tomato Bredie hot, alongside the cooked samp and beans.

About This Recipe

Experience the rich, comforting flavors of South Africa with this traditional Tomato Bredie. Tender lamb simmers in a vibrant tomato stew, perfectly complemented by a hearty side of samp and beans.
South African Tomato Bredie (Lamb and Tomato Stew) with Samp and Beans
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.
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Chef's Tips

For a richer flavor, use bone-in lamb shoulder. Adjust the amount of spices to your preference. A pinch of chili flakes can add a subtle kick.
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Easy Substitutions

Beef stew meat can be used instead of lamb. For a vegetarian version, use hearty vegetables like butternut squash and chickpeas. If samp and sugar beans are unavailable, pearl barley and cannellini beans can be used, adjusting cooking times as needed.
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Storage & Reheating

Store leftover bredie and samp and beans separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream can add a cooling contrast. Crusty bread is also excellent for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Common Mistakes

Not browning the lamb sufficiently can lead to less flavor. Overcrowding the pot during browning will steam the meat instead of searing it. Not simmering the bredie long enough will result in tough lamb. Forgetting to soak the samp and beans will drastically increase their cooking time. Adding potatoes too early can cause them to become mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bredie in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the lamb and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding potatoes for the last hour.

What are samp and sugar beans?

Samp are dried, crushed maize kernels, and sugar beans are a type of kidney bean. They are traditional South African staples.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, both the bredie and the samp and beans freeze well separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
MORE TO KNOW
Tomato Bredie is a classic Cape Malay stew, known for its slow-cooked tenderness and deep tomato flavor. The key to its success is allowing the lamb to braise slowly, which breaks down the connective tissues and results in incredibly tender meat. The samp and beans provide a traditional, starchy accompaniment that soaks up the rich sauce beautifully. Soaking the samp and beans overnight significantly reduces their cooking time and ensures even tenderness.
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