Learn How to Make a Flavorful Nyama Choma Stew With This Easy Recipe

A Hearty Kenyan-Inspired Fusion of Flame-Grilled Meat and Rich Stew Flavors. Learn how to make a flavorful Nyama Choma Stew with this easy recipe! Tender grilled meat simmered in a savory sauce, perfect for serving with rice, ugali, or chapati. If you know anything about Kenya, you’re probably already aware that Nyama Choma, which is grilled beef, is not just a meal but a tradition, a celebration, and almost a ritual. It’s one of the most iconic dishes in the Kenyan culinary landscape, and the love for it is deeply ingrained in the culture. Nyama Choma isn’t just about the food; it’s about bringing people together. It’s what brings friends and family around a smoky grill, catching up on life, and sharing good times.

For many Kenyans, a weekend isn’t complete without Nyama Choma. And what’s even more unique is that we’re known for finding any and every excuse to fire up that grill. Whether it’s a birthday, a casual get-together, or, as silly as it may sound, even something as simple as adopting a cat, Kenyans will gather and say, "Let’s choma nyama!" (Let’s grill beef!).

The beauty of Nyama Choma lies in its simplicity. The beef is grilled in large, succulent chunks, marinated in a rich blend of spices, herbs, and sometimes even seeds, creating an unforgettable flavor profile. It’s then served whole, allowing everyone at the table to chop it up themselves or, if you prefer, you can have it chopped for you. Either way, it’s a communal experience that allows people to enjoy the meal together, in the most authentic and traditional way.

Traditionally, Nyama Choma is paired with Ugali, a dense, starchy maize meal dish that serves as the perfect base to absorb all the rich flavors of the grilled beef. On the side, you’ll often find Kachumbari, a refreshing onion and tomato salad that adds a sharp, tangy contrast to the smoky, savory beef. The combination of these three elements, Nyama Choma, Ugali, and Kachumbari, is absolutely divine, with the textures and flavors complementing each other perfectly.

Now, while the traditional way of eating Nyama Choma is undeniably delightful, I decided to get a little creative and turn this beloved grilled dish into a stew. The process of making Nyama Choma Stew is relatively simple, especially since the beef is already grilled and ready to go. Grilled beef, with its deep, smoky flavor, doesn’t require much time or cooking to turn it into a delicious stew. What you’re essentially doing is extracting all the richness of the grilled beef into a soup base, which makes for a flavorful and hearty dish. This stew is an excellent way to use up any leftover grilled beef while still preserving the signature flavors that make Nyama Choma so special. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to enjoy this dish with a warm plate of Ugali and some steamed greens on the side, just like the traditional pairing.

The beauty of making Nyama Choma Stew is that it requires minimal cooking time. The grilling has already done most of the work, so you can simply focus on creating a delicious broth and letting the flavors meld together. The stew itself is full of depth, thanks to the spices and the smoky flavor from the grilled meat, making it a hearty and comforting meal for any day. It’s a dish that brings the family together, just like the original Nyama Choma, but with a twist that makes it perfect for the cooler evenings or when you’re craving something a little different.

After trying out this recipe, I can confidently say that it’s a dish that’s going to become a staple in our household. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and best of all, it has that undeniable Kenyan charm that makes every meal feel like a celebration. There’s something so comforting about enjoying this stew with a side of Ugali, a little Kachumbari to add some crunch and freshness, and the whole family gathered around to enjoy the meal together.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a reminder of how food brings us closer, how sharing a meal can strengthen bonds, and how, in Kenya, we always find an excuse to come together, even if it's just to grill some beef! Nyama Choma has that magical ability to turn a regular day into a special occasion, and turning it into a stew only adds another layer of comfort and familiarity to the dish.

As for me, I can definitely see Nyama Choma Stew becoming a regular feature in our mealtime rotation. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of grilled beef while adding a new twist. Now, I’d love to hear from you, what’s your favorite grilled dish? Do you have any family recipes that bring people together like Nyama Choma does?

Ingredients

1 kg Grilled Beef
1 Cup Tomatoes
1 Cup Onions
2 Tablespoons Garlic
1 Teaspoon Salt
3 Tablespoons Royco Spice Seasoning
2 Cups Water
4 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Method

Chop the grilled meat into bite sized pieces. Set aside

On high heat pour the onions in a deep bottomed cooking pot
Add vegetable oil

Let the onions cook until they start turning brown
Add in the garlic and continue to cook until fragranced

 Add in the chopped tomatoes

Let them cook until they turn into paste

Add the chopped grilled beef into the cooking pot

Add the Royco spice seasoning
Add Salt

Mix the ingredients together by tossing and turning so that everything is well incorporated
Let it cook for several minutes

Add 2 Cups water into the pot, cover and let the grilled beef stew cook until the water has significantly reduced to almost half

Serve the Nyama Choma stew (grilles beef stew) with your favorite side dish like Rice, Ugali or even Chapati

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NYAMA CHOMA STEW (GRILLED BEEF STEW)

by Mulunga Alukwe August-28-2017

Ingredients

• 1 kg Nyama Choma (grilled beef)
• 1 Cup Tomatoes
• 1 Cup Onions
• 3 Tablespoons Royco Spice Seasonong
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 2 Cups Water
• 4 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Instructions

Chop the grilled meat into bite sized pieces. Set asideOn high heat pour the onions in a deep bottomed cooking pot. Add vegetable oil. Cook onions until they start to brownAdd garlic. Add tomatoes and cook until they turn to pasteAdd the chopped grilled beef into the cooking pot. Add the Royco spice seasoning. Add Salt Let the beef cook for several minutesAdd 2 Cups water into the pot, cover and let the grilled beef stew cook until the water has significantly reduced to almost halfServe immediately

Details

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 20 mins Total time: 30 mins Yield: 6 Servings

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Nyama Choma Stew

📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is Nyama Choma Stew?
A: "Nyama Choma" means "grilled meat" in Swahili. This stew builds on the classic Kenyan grilled meat tradition—typically beef or goat—by simmering it in a flavorful tomato-onion-based sauce with garlic, peppers, and spices.

Q2: What kind of meat is used?
A: Goat is traditional, but beef, lamb, or even chicken can be used. The meat is usually grilled first to get that smoky, charred flavor before being added to the stew.

Q3: Is it spicy?
A: It can be! Chili peppers or pilipili are often used. Spice levels vary by region and personal preference.

Q4: What’s typically served with it?
A: Ugali (cornmeal porridge), sukuma wiki (collard greens), or rice. Some prefer chapati or roasted plantains on the side.

Q5: Can I make it in advance?
A: Yes. Like many stews, the flavor deepens after a day in the fridge. It keeps well refrigerated for 3–4 days or can be frozen.

Q6: Is Nyama Choma Stew different from classic Nyama Choma?
A: Yes. Classic Nyama Choma is dry grilled meat served with minimal accompaniments. The stew version is a modern twist, turning leftovers or grilled meat into a comforting dish with sauce.

📊 Nutrition Card – Per 1 Cup (Approx. 250g)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	300–400 kcal	Depends on cut of meat and oil used in stew base
Protein	25–30 g	Rich in animal protein from goat or beef
Total Fat	18–22 g	Includes both saturated and monounsaturated fats
Saturated Fat	6–8 g	Higher if fatty cuts or coconut oil are used
Carbohydrates	6–10 g	Mostly from onions, tomatoes, and peppers
Sugars	3–5 g	Natural sugars from vegetables
Fiber	1–2 g	Depending on added veggies
Sodium	300–500 mg	Varies based on added salt and bouillon

Dietary Labels

Category	Status	Notes
Vegetarian	❌ No	Contains meat
Vegan	❌ No	Not suitable for plant-based diets
Gluten-Free	✔ Yes (typically)	Naturally gluten-free; verify seasonings and broth
Dairy-Free	✔ Yes	Traditional recipes don’t include dairy
Nut-Free	✔ Yes	Safe for nut-free diets (always confirm with spice mixes or sauces)

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.