South African Culinary Heritage Collection
SA Recipes
Ref: SAR-0008
Printed 03 November 2026
Beef
Dinner
Lunch
One-Pot
Stews
Potjiekos (Beef & Vegetable)
Recipe by
Christo Lochenberg
Published 13 November 2025
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Ingredients
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- 1kg beef stewing meat (e.g., chuck, brisket), cubed
- 30ml (2 tbsp) oil
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced thickly
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 250g button mushrooms, whole
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 green pepper, deseeded and chopped
- 1 can (410g) chopped tomatoes
- 500ml (2 cups) beef stock
- 125ml (1/2 cup) red wine (optional, enhances flavor)
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Worcestershire sauce
- 15ml (1 tbsp) mild curry powder (optional, for subtle warmth)
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
About This Recipe
Potjiekos (meaning 'small pot food') is a traditional South African stew cooked in a round, three-legged cast-iron pot over an open fire. It's a slow-cooked, layered dish where ingredients are added in stages and gently simmered, never stirred, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Preparation Instructions
- Prepare the Pot: Place your cast iron potjie over medium coals (or a gas burner on low). Add oil and heat until shimmering.
- Brown Meat: Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Brown the meat in batches in the hot oil until sealed on all sides. Remove meat and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onions to the pot and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Layer the Pot (this is key – do NOT stir after this stage!):
- Return the browned meat to the bottom of the pot.
- Sprinkle with curry powder (if using).
- Layer the carrots, then potatoes, then mushrooms, sweet potato, and green pepper on top of the meat.
- Pour over the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, red wine (if using), and Worcestershire sauce.
- Tuck in the fresh thyme or rosemary. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Slow Cook: Cover the pot with its lid. Reduce heat to very low (maintain gentle simmering, not a rolling boil). Cook for at least 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Resist the urge to stir! The layering allows different flavors and textures.
- Serve: When ready, gently stir once to combine all the ingredients. Serve hot directly from the pot with rice, pap, or crusty bread.
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© 2026 SA Recipes · Recipe by Christo Lochenberg
Source: https://sarecipes.co.za/browse/recipe/potjiekos-beef-vegetable · Developed by Christo Lochenberg
