Authentic Zimbabwean Mabhonzo (Cow Hooves) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of beef bones
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 1 large potato, peeled and chopped
  • 4 cups of water
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the beef bones and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-10 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and tomato paste, ensuring the beef bones are well coated.
  4. Add the chopped carrot and potato to the pot. Stir to mix with the other ingredients.
  5. Pour the water into the pot. Increase heat to high and bring the water to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors are well combined.
  7. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the soup and accommodate all the ingredients.
  • Vegetable oil - This oil is used for sautéing the onions, garlic, and beef bones.
  • Chopping knife - A sharp chopping knife is essential for chopping the onion, carrot, and potato.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping vegetables.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the salt, black pepper, and tomato paste.
  • Ladle - A ladle is used for serving the soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - Soup bowls are required for serving the Mabhonzo soup.
  • Garnishing tool - A garnishing tool such as kitchen shears or a knife is needed to chop fresh parsley for garnish.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
  • Add diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a more tomatoey taste.
  • Experiment with different spices such as paprika, cumin, or thyme to customize the flavor profile.
  • Add vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or peas for extra color and texture.
  • Replace the beef bones with chicken bones, pork bones, or a combination of different bones for a different flavor profile.
  • For a meat-free option, replace the beef bones with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of water.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for an umami kick.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint instead of parsley.
  • Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist.
  • For a spicier version, add chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapenos.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Mabhonzo, a hearty and comforting traditional African dish. Made with beef bones, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a blend of simple yet flavorful spices, this stew is not only rich in nutrition but also brimming with taste. The process involves browning the bones for a deep, savory flavor, and then simmering them with the rest of the ingredients to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly. The result is a deliciously tender meat dish that is sure to satisfy your appetite and warm you from the inside out. Whether you're making this for a family dinner or cooking it in large batches for meal prep, Mabhonzo is a dish that never fails to please. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef bones? Yes, you can use other types of meat like chicken bones or lamb bones for a different flavor profile.
  2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of water? Yes, you can use vegetable broth to enhance the flavor of the dish.
  3. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, leeks, or mushrooms to enhance the taste and texture.
  4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker after browning the beef bones and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
  5. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow the Mabhonzo to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  6. Can I omit the tomato paste? While the tomato paste adds depth of flavor, you can omit it if you prefer a milder taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the soup and simmer the ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp chef's knife is essential for chopping the onion, garlic, carrot, and potato.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping the vegetables.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the salt, pepper, and tomato paste.
  • Ladle - A ladle makes it easy to serve the soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - Soup bowls are the perfect vessels for serving the Mabhonzo.
  • Garnish dishes - Small dishes can be used to hold the chopped fresh parsley for garnishing the soup.

Origin stories

Mabhonzo, a hearty and flavorful stew, is a popular dish in Zimbabwe. Interestingly, it's affectionately referred to as "roadrunner" because the beef bones used in the recipe are often from free-range cattle that roam the countryside, just like the animated Road Runner from the Looney Tunes cartoons. These bones are known for their rich flavor and the marrow within, which adds depth to the stew. This dish reflects the resourcefulness and creativity of Zimbabwean cooking, making use of every part of the animal to create a meal that's both satisfying and delicious.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.