Carrot Stew Recipe – How to Cook Nigerian Carrot Stew
Chicken Carrot Stew is another way of adding vegetables to your meal. Our recipe today is basically on how to cook Carrot stew without tomatoes that are tasty and delicious.
Meanwhile, carrot stew not only adds color and flavor to your meal but a natural sweetness to the stew that you cannot imagine and no sugar was added to it.
Often people believe raw vegetables are more nutritious, that is not true; cooking allowed us to spend less time chewing while allowing us to absorb more nutrients.
While nutrients such as Vitamin C are destroyed by heating the fruits and vegetables, lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, is increased by cooking. Similarly, the levels of beta-carotene, the body converts to Vitamin A, are increased by cooking carrots.
What Is Carrot Stew?
Carrot stew is a flavorful dish made with fresh carrots, aromatic ingredients, and spices, resulting in a vibrant and aromatic stew that is enjoyed as a versatile accompaniment to various Nigerian meals.
The best alternative to tomato stew is carrot stew, which is not very popular in Nigeria and is more of an international cuisine than a Nigerian stew.
Nigeria Carrot Stew incorporates a range of aromatic ingredients such as onions, garlic, and ginger. These aromatic elements infuse the stew with rich and complex flavors, enhancing the overall taste experience. Other supporting ingredients include scotch Bonnet pepper, bell peppers, and a variety of spices like curry powder, thyme, and bay leaves.
Nigerian Stew
Nigerian stew mostly consist of tomatoes. To make stews and soups, which are basis of Nigerian cooking especially in the southwest, we need tomatoes. Almost all sauces that are prepared contain tomatoes, The color red makes sauces and stew recipes more attractive.
Carrot Stew As a Healthy Alternative
When There Is Tomato Scarcity, Price Increase in Nigerian Markets, or Need for a Different Stew?
Carrot stew is an alternative to the traditional Nigerian tomato stew which is so popular in every part of the Country. The method of preparing Carrot stew is almost the same as that of tomatoes; the only ingredient that will not be included is tomatoes.
Moreover, Nigerians tend to replace tomato stew with vegetable sauce, vegetable stew; while the Igbo’s will go for Ofe Akwu which is known as Banga soup/stew for rice.
It is very tasty and healthy, can be equally used in any other thing like tomato stew, and can be eating with many varieties such as boiled white rice, yam, pasta, and plantain.
Similarly, Nigeria Jollof rice is a staple food. One of the main ingredients in the preparation of Jollof rice is fresh tomatoes.
In the same vein, carrots can be used to prepare Jollof rice. Carrot is used instead of fresh tomatoes, and can also be used in the preparation of carrot Jollof rice.
As you can see, carrot stew is just as important as tomato stew because it meets the same requirements.
Different Varieties of Carrot Stew
There are different methods of cooking carrot stew; we have stew with carrots and green beans, you can also make carrot sauce for rice. We also have the Vegetarian carrot stew, pea’s carrot recipe, carrot soup recipe, and lastly tomato carrot stew. However, there are quite a number of carrots stew, and soup recipes you can cook and enjoy with your family.
Funny enough it’s on the process of making carrot stew I learnt how to make carrot whistle. Carrot whistle is actually a flute made out of carrot so in essence, you can make a veggie flute.
Homemade carrot stew is very easy to cook likewise stewed carrot the Lebanese bazella recipe. I used chicken for this carrot stew recipe but, you can use beef or any meat or fish of your choice.
Also Read >>> Carrot Juice Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
Nutritional Benefits Of Carrots
- It is delicious, crunchy, and nourishing.
- Beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants are all abundant in carrots.
- It is an ingredient in most skincare and beauty products, carrot works well for skincare.
- It serves as the primary component in the creation of carrot powder and oil.
Health Benefits Of Carrot Stew
Carrot stew offers several health benefits due to its primary ingredient, carrots, which are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Carrots are known for their high vitamin A content, promoting good vision, healthy skin, and a robust immune system.
The stew is also rich in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting satiety. Additionally, the inclusion of aromatic ingredients like garlic and ginger provides anti-inflammatory properties and potential immune-boosting benefits.
They are weight loss friendly food that and have been linked to lowered cholesterol level .
With the wholesome combination of ingredients and flavorful spices, carrot stew is not only a delicious culinary experience but also a nutritious choice that supports overall well-being.
How to Make Carrot Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 medium sizes carrots
- 1 kg chicken or Beef
- 6 pcs Fresh bonnet pepper (Atarodo) blended
- 2 medium sizes onion (finely sliced)
- 1 tablespoon grounded crayfish
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 pcs bay leaf
- 1 clove of garlic
- 2 seasoning cubes
- ½ teaspoon curry
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 1 sachet Onga classic (optional)
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup vegetable oil for frying
Directions
- First and foremost, Wash, scrape the back of the carrots, wash again, cut into chunks or slice and blend to smooth; just the way you puree tomatoes.
- Secondly, wash your chicken or beef, spice with curry, thyme, garlic, ginger, bay leaf, salt, onions, seasoning cube, and onga spice with little quantity of water; then cook to tender.
- Thirdly, in a pot bring the oil to heat, stir in your sliced onions, fry for 20 seconds, thereafter, add your blended carrots and stir intermittently at a regular interval until the water is completely dry
- The next step is to add your pepper, meat stock, and other ingredients and water, stir properly and cover.
- Finally, allow cooking for about 15 minutes at this point the consistency is slightly thick, stir and taste for salt.
Remove from heat.
Serve and Enjoy with rice or spaghetti!
Carrots are seasonal and reasonably priced in Nigeria whenever they are in season.
Hurray! Try out this recipe and leave a comment
FAQs About Carrot Stew
Can carrot stew be made without meat?
Yes, carrot stew can be easily adapted to suit vegetarian or vegan diets. Simply omit the meat and increase the quantity of vegetables or add plant-based protein sources such as tofu, tempeh, or legumes for a hearty and nutritious meat-free version.
Can I freeze carrot stew?
Yes, carrot stew can be frozen for future consumption. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label and date the containers, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Are there any alternative spices I can use in carrot stew?
While traditional carrot stew recipes often include spices like curry powder, thyme, and bay leaves, you can certainly experiment with other spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding cumin, paprika, coriander, or even a touch of cinnamon to infuse the stew with unique flavors.
Can carrot stew be made in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Carrot stew can be prepared in a slow cooker for added convenience. Simply follow the same steps of sautéing the aromatics and browning any meat before transferring all the ingredients, including the carrots, to the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, until the carrots are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Can I add other vegetables to carrot stew?
Certainly! Carrot stew can be customized by adding additional vegetables to enhance its nutritional value and flavor. Consider incorporating vegetables like potatoes, peas, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to create a more diverse and colorful stew. Just be mindful of the cooking times of the added vegetables and adjust accordingly to ensure they are cooked to your desired texture.
