Main Meals

Spicy tshotlho

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8
Easy
20 minutes
2½ hours

In winter Lesego Semenya turns to tshotlho, a childhood classic often served at weddings (and funerals), which, cooked low and slow, turns tougher cuts of meat into something special.

Wine/Spirit Pairing
Woolworths Weltevrede Black Cherry Merlot

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Ingredients

Method
    For the spice mix, combine:

  • 1½ T mild masala
  • 1 T paprika
  • 1 T dried oregano
  • 1 t ground allspice
  • 1 t ground coriander
  • 1 t onion powder
  • 1 t garlic flakes
  • 1 t salt
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For the beef:

  • 1.5 kg beef brisket, cut into 2–3 large pieces
  • 4 T canola oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2⁄3 cup orange juice
  • 2 T lime juice
  • 1 x 400 g can chopped tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

Ingredients

1. Rub the meat with enough spice mix to coat it, about two thirds.

2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a high heat. Add the meat and cook until well browned; it should be a rich, dark colour. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add a little more oil to the same pan, then add the garlic and onion and cook until translucent and soft.

4. Add the orange and lime juice to the pan, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan.

5. Add the remaining spice rub, the tomatoes, stock, meat and enough water to just cover the meat.

6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium low. Place the lid on the pan and allow it to bubble gently.

7. Cook, covered, for 2 hours, then remove the lid and cook for a further 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender enough to shred.

8. Remove the beef and shred using 2 forks. Set aside.

9. Place the remaining cooking liquid in the pan on the stovetop and simmer, uncovered, for 15–20 minutes to reduce and thicken. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

10. To serve, toss the beef in some of the reduced sauce.

Find more South African recipes here. 

Photograph: Jan Ras
Production: Bianca Strydom
Food assistant: Marcelle De Wet 

Lesego Semenya

Recipe by: Lesego Semenya

The late, great Lesego Semenya aka Les da Chef was famous for his braai skills, devotion to heritage recipes and ingredients, and as a television host. He was the author of "Dijo: My food, my journey", a regular columnist for the TASTE magazine and host of TASTETube videos.

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