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!).
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
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
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
NYAMA CHOMA STEW (GRILLED BEEF STEW)
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: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 6 ServingsIf you have been enjoying these foodie adventures, I would love to stay connected. Follow me on all my social platforms for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and event alerts. See behind-the-scenes looks and join conversations around all things delicious. Follow me on Instagram for beautiful food photos and quick reels. Find me on Facebook for longer stories and community chats. Join the fun on Twitter(X) where I share food thoughts and tips. Get creative with me on Pinterest where you can pin your favorite recipes for later. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for the full recipe creation. Leave a comment in the comment section and let's chat!
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.
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