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Botswana Seswaa

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time15 minsCook Time3 hrsTotal Time3 hrs 15 mins

Tender, slow-cooked Botswana beef pounded into savory shreds.

Tender, slow-cooked Botswana seswaa beef pounded into savory shreds.

Ingredients
 3 lbs bone-in beef chuck or brisket, cut into large pieces
 1 large yellow onion, quartered
 2 tsp coarse salt, plus more to taste
 ½ tsp ground black pepper
 2 bay leaves
 3 cups water, plus more as needed
 1 tbsp beef drippings or neutral oil, optional
 2 tbsp reserved cooking broth, as needed for finishing
Directions
1

Prepare the beef. Trim only thick exterior fat, leaving some connective tissue for flavor. Cut the beef into large, even pieces.

2

Start the pot. Put beef, onion, salt, pepper, and bay leaves in a heavy pot. Add enough water to come about halfway up the meat.

3

Simmer slowly. Bring to a boil, reduce to very low heat, cover, and simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Turn the pieces occasionally and add small amounts of water only when needed.

4

Check tenderness. The beef is ready when it separates easily from the bone and can be crushed with a spoon. Remove and discard bay leaves and bones.

5

Reduce the broth. Transfer the meat to a bowl. Simmer the remaining liquid uncovered until concentrated, then reserve about 1/2 cup.

6

Pound or shred. Use a sturdy wooden spoon, potato masher, or two forks to pound and pull the hot beef into short, soft shreds. Mix in drippings or oil if using.

7

Finish and serve. Return the beef to the pot, moisten with a little reduced broth, and heat for 5 minutes. Taste for salt and serve hot with pap or bogobe.

Notes

Seswaa should be soft, fibrous, and lightly seasoned so the beef remains the focus. Pound with a sturdy wooden spoon or shred with forks. Serve with bogobe, pap, sorghum porridge, or steamed greens. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, reheat gently with a splash of reserved broth.

Nutrition Facts

6 servings

Serving size

6 oz

Amount per serving
Calories410
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24g31%

Saturated Fat 9g45%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 135mg45%
Sodium 620mg27%
Total Carbohydrate 3g2%

Dietary Fiber 0g
Total Sugars 1g
Includes 0g Added Sugars0%
Protein 45g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.