Cape Malay Tomato Bredie is a flavorful and comforting stew originating from Cape Town, South Africa. It’s a traditional dish that combines tender meat (usually lamb or beef) with potatoes, onions, and a rich tomato-based sauce spiced with cumin, cinnamon, cloves, and other aromatic spices. The dish is deeply rooted in Cape Malay food culture, which is known for its light spices and often subtle sweetness. It’s commonly served with basmati rice for a hearty meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Tomato Bredie:

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil

  • 2 large white onions (halved or diced)

  • 2 bird’s eye chilies (depending on heat preference)

  • 3 allspice berries/pimento (crushed)

  • 2 cloves (crushed)

  • 4 bay leaves

  • 1.5 kg bone-in red meat (lamb or beef)

  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)

  • ½ tsp black pepper (finely ground)

  • ½ tsp white pepper (finely ground)

  • 1 tbsp fine salt (separated)

  • 150 grams tomato paste

  • 3 tbsp sugar

  • 6 large potatoes (peeled and quartered)

  • 1.5 – 1.8 liters vegetable stock or water

• For the Basmati Rice:

  • 1 ½ cups basmati rice (washed)

  • 3 cups water

  • 3 tbsp salted butter

  • 1 ½ tsp salt

Directions

1. Make the Bredie:

   • Heat a large pot over medium heat and add oil. Sauté onions, chilies, allspice, cloves, and bay leaves until the onions turn light brown.

   • Add the meat and cook until browned. If the pot starts to burn, add a little water.

   • Add tomato paste and sugar, cooking until the paste starts sticking to the pot base. Add 500ml of water or stock, garlic, black pepper, white pepper, and half of the salt. Stir, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours until the meat is tender. Add more water/stock as needed.

2. Make the Rice:

   • Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Drain and transfer to a medium saucepan. Add water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Let the rice steam with the lid on until ready to serve.

3. Finish the Stew:

   • Once the meat is tender, add the potatoes and more water/stock. Do not cover and let cook until potatoes are soft. Season with the remaining salt to taste.

4. Serve the tomato bredie with the basmati rice and enjoy!

Estimated Nutritional Value per Serving

• Calories: ~450-550 kcal

• Protein: ~35-40g

• Fat: ~20-25g

  • Saturated fat: ~8-10g

• Carbohydrates: ~35-45g

  • Fiber: ~5g

  • Sugars: ~6-8g

• Sodium: ~600-800mg

• Cholesterol: ~60-80mg

• Calcium: ~30-50mg

• Iron: ~3-4mg

The Origins and History of Cape Malay Cuisine

Cape Malay cuisine traces its origins back to the Malay slaves brought to South Africa during the 17th and 18th centuries. These slaves came from various Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and India, and their culinary traditions significantly influenced the food culture of Cape Town. The term “Cape Malay” refers to both the people of this heritage and their distinct cuisine, which is characterized by the use of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, cumin, and cardamom, as well as sweet and savory flavor combinations.

Tomato Bredie is one of the most iconic dishes from this cuisine, deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Cape Malay community. Stews, or “bredies,” are a common feature of Cape Malay cooking, often made with lamb, beef, or chicken. The use of tomatoes in the Bredie, combined with a delicate mix of spices, creates a flavorful sauce that complements the tender meat and potatoes. The dish is perfect for slow-cooking, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify over time, making it an ideal choice for a comforting family meal or a gathering.

Flavor Profile and Texture of Cape Malay Tomato Bredie

Cape Malay Tomato Bredie is a dish that expertly combines a variety of textures and flavors. The tender, slow-cooked meat is the centerpiece, offering rich and savory notes that pair beautifully with the subtly spiced tomato sauce. The tomatoes provide both acidity and sweetness, which balance out the heat and earthiness of the spices. The potatoes, added toward the end of cooking, absorb the flavors of the broth while softening to create a creamy texture that complements the meat and sauce.

The blend of spices in the dish adds layers of complexity to the overall flavor profile. Cumin and coriander contribute a warm, earthy undertone, while the cinnamon and cloves infuse the stew with a sweet, aromatic fragrance. The bird’s eye chilies offer a mild heat that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the meat. These spices work together harmoniously to create a dish that is comforting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

The addition of basmati rice provides a light, fragrant side that contrasts with the richness of the stew. The rice serves as a neutral base, allowing the Tomato Bredie to shine while offering a fluffy texture to complement the softness of the potatoes and meat.

Nutritional Benefits of Cape Malay Tomato Bredie

Cape Malay Tomato Bredie is not only delicious but also offers several nutritional benefits, making it a wholesome choice for a balanced meal. The lamb or beef used in the stew provides a significant source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall bodily functions. The protein content of the dish helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, making it a great option for a filling meal.

The inclusion of potatoes adds an additional source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day. Potatoes are also rich in fiber, which is important for digestive health and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. The spices used in the Bredie, such as cumin and cinnamon, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may offer digestive and metabolic benefits.

Basmati rice, a staple side dish in many South Asian and South African meals, is light and easy to digest. It is lower in glycemic index compared to other types of rice, which helps to maintain steady blood sugar levels. While basmati rice is a source of carbohydrates, it provides a lighter complement to the rich stew, ensuring that the meal is not overly heavy.

Additionally, the dish contains several key vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C from the tomatoes, iron from the meat, and potassium from the potatoes. These nutrients contribute to overall health and wellness, making Cape Malay Tomato Bredie a nutritious option for those seeking a balanced meal.

How to Make the Perfect Cape Malay Tomato Bredie

Making the perfect Cape Malay Tomato Bredie requires a few key steps to ensure that the flavors meld together harmoniously and the meat becomes tender. The first step is to sauté the onions, chilies, and spices in oil until the onions become light brown. This process helps to release the natural oils in the spices, infusing the base of the stew with rich aromas.

Next, adding the meat and allowing it to brown creates a depth of flavor that will later contribute to the stew’s richness. It’s important to let the tomato paste and sugar cook for a few minutes to develop a deep, caramelized flavor before adding the liquid, which allows the tomatoes to intensify in flavor. Once the meat is browned and the tomato paste has cooked down, adding water or stock helps to create the flavorful broth that will cook the meat until tender.

Slow cooking is key when making Tomato Bredie. Letting the stew simmer for 1-2 hours allows the meat to become tender and the flavors to develop fully. Be sure to add more liquid as necessary to keep the stew from becoming too thick or dry.

When it comes to the rice, the key is to cook it just right—fluffy, fragrant, and not too sticky. After rinsing and draining the rice, the cooking process involves bringing the water, butter, and salt to a boil and then simmering the rice until it is tender. Letting the rice steam with the lid on ensures that it remains light and fluffy, providing the perfect side to the rich stew.

Conclusion

Cape Malay Tomato Bredie is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together tender meat, aromatic spices, and hearty potatoes in a rich tomato-based sauce. With its deep cultural roots and balanced flavor profile, it’s no wonder that Tomato Bredie is a beloved dish in Cape Town and beyond. The combination of spices like cinnamon, cloves, cumin, and allspice creates a complex and inviting flavor, while the tender meat and creamy potatoes provide a satisfying texture.

Whether you’re looking for a warming dish for a family dinner or a special meal to share with friends, Cape Malay Tomato Bredie offers both comfort and flavor in every bite. Paired with fluffy basmati rice, it makes for a complete and nourishing meal that is as rich in tradition as it is in taste. Give this traditional stew a try and experience the authentic flavors of Cape Malay cuisine in your own kitchen.