This Meat and Vegetable Stew with Bread Topping is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender cubes of meat with an array of vegetables, all slow-cooked in a fragrant broth of spices. Topped with a golden, fluffy dough, this dish is baked to perfection, offering both the richness of a stew and the satisfying texture of freshly baked bread.

Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this dish is a complete meal in itself, providing a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The stew is slow-cooked to ensure the meat is tender and the vegetables absorb the rich flavors of the spices. The bread topping adds a crispy, warm element that complements the savory stew underneath. Serve it with a fresh salad for a balanced, wholesome meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meat and Vegetable Stew:

• Meat: 1 kilo, cut into small cubes
• Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Onions: 3, sliced
• Whole spices: Cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, 1 bay leaf
• Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
• Carrots: 2, chopped
• Potatoes: 2, chopped
• Zucchini: 2, chopped
• Bell peppers: 2, chopped
• Peas: ½ cup
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon

For the Dough:

• Flour: 3 cups
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Sugar: 1 ½ tablespoons
• Yeast: 1 teaspoon
• Yogurt: 3 tablespoons
• Oil: 3 tablespoons
• Water: 1 cup

For the Egg Wash and Garnish:

• Egg: 1, beaten
• Milk: 1 tablespoon
• Instant coffee: A pinch (optional)
• Sesame seeds: To sprinkle
• Black seeds: To sprinkle

Optional:

• Fresh salad with your favorite vegetables for serving

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cook the Meat

1. Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onions and spices: Add the sliced onions and whole spices (cardamom, cinnamon stick, coriander, bay leaf) to the pot. Sauté until the onions turn golden yellow and fragrant.
3. Add the meat: Add 1 kilo of meat cubes to the pot, stirring frequently until the meat is nicely browned on all sides. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
4. Add the tomato paste: Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and mix well until the meat is coated.
5. Simmer the meat: Pour enough boiling water over the meat to cover it completely. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 ½ tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of yeast.
2. Add yogurt and oil: Add 3 tablespoons of yogurt and 3 tablespoons of oil to the dry ingredients.
3. Knead the dough: Gradually add 1 cup of water while kneading the dough. Continue kneading for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Let the dough rise: Grease a plate with oil, place the dough on it, and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rest for about 40 minutes, or until the dough has risen and is soft to the touch.

Step 3: Add Vegetables to the Stew

1. Chop the vegetables: While the dough is resting, chop 2 carrots, 2 potatoes, 2 zucchini, and 2 bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
2. Add vegetables to the meat: After the meat has simmered for 1 hour, add the chopped carrots, potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, ½ cup of peas, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
3. Cook the vegetables: Stir the vegetables into the meat and cook for another 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and absorb the flavors of the stew.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
2. Pour the stew into a baking dish: Transfer the meat and vegetable stew to a large casserole or deep Pyrex dish.
3. Roll out the dough: Divide the dough in half. Roll out one portion of the dough large enough to cover the casserole dish, leaving some overhang. Carefully place the dough over the stew.
4. Fix the dough: Press the edges of the dough around the sides of the casserole to secure it. Trim off any excess dough.

Step 5: Prepare the Egg Wash and Bake

1. Make the egg wash: In a small bowl, beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of milk and a pinch of instant coffee (optional, for color). This will give the dough a shiny, golden finish.
2. Brush and garnish: Brush the egg wash over the dough. Sprinkle the top with sesame seeds and black seeds.
3. Bake the casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven at 220°C (428°F) for about 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Bake the Extra Bread

1. Roll out the remaining dough: While the casserole is baking, roll out the remaining dough to make extra bread.
2. Brush with egg wash: Brush the rolled-out dough with the egg mixture and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
3. Bake the bread: Bake the bread at 220°C (428°F) for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy.

Step 7: Serve

1. Serve hot: Serve the meat and vegetable stew with the crispy bread topping hot from the oven. Pair it with a fresh salad of your choice for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips

• Choose your favorite meat: This recipe works well with lamb, beef, or even chicken. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of meat used. Lamb and beef may require longer cooking to tenderize, while chicken will cook faster.
• Customize the vegetables: Feel free to swap out the vegetables with whatever you have on hand. You can add green beans, cauliflower, or even mushrooms to the stew.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the stew a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply roll out the dough, cover the stew, and bake as directed.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Calcium: 100 mg
• Iron: 5 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought dough instead of making my own?
   • Yes, you can use store-bought pizza or puff pastry dough if you’re short on time. Simply roll it out and cover the stew as directed.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the bread topping.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cooked stew portion (without the dough) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the stew, top it with fresh dough, and bake as instructed.
4. What can I serve this with?
   • This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of plain yogurt or a tangy cucumber salad for contrast.

Conclusion

This Meat and Vegetable Stew with Bread Topping is the ultimate comfort food. The savory flavors of the slow-cooked meat and vegetables, combined with the golden, crisp bread topping, create a hearty dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, this recipe delivers big on flavor and texture. Enjoy it with a side of fresh salad and extra bread for dipping into the rich stew!