Quick & Easy Tender Stewed Goat Chops: A Flavorful Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs10gram
Fat20gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Goat chops (bone-in, about 1 inch thick) - choose fresh, firm meat with no off smell800 g
- Vegetable oil (for browning)2 tbsp
- Onion (medium, thinly sliced)1 piece
- Garlic cloves (minced)3 pieces
- Fresh ginger (minced)1 tbsp
- Tomatoes (ripe, chopped) or canned diced tomatoes400 g
- Tomato paste2 tbsp
- Bell pepper (sliced)1 piece
- Thyme (fresh or dried)1 tsp
- Bay leaf1 piece
- Chicken or beef broth250 ml
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepper (freshly ground)to taste n/a
- Cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional, for heat)1 tsp
Discover the joy of cooking tender and flavorful stewed goat chops with this quick and easy recipe, perfect for home cooks of all levels. This dish brings succulent pieces of goat chop simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. The total ingredient cost is approximately $15 (EUR 13, GBP 11, INR 1200) and yields about 4 servings with a total of around 350 kcal per serving. This recipe is medium in difficulty, requires about 20 minutes of preparation, and 40 minutes of active cooking time. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, the recipe emphasizes safe meat handling and cooking temperatures to ensure a safe and delicious meal.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the meat
1Rinse the goat chops under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. This helps remove any surface impurities. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let it rest while preparing other ingredients. (5 minutes)
Brown the goat chops
2Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the goat chops in a single layer without crowding. Brown each side for about 3-4 minutes until a rich golden crust forms. This step locks in juices and enhances flavor. Remove the chops and set aside. (10 minutes)
Sauté aromatics
3In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and ginger, cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This builds the flavor base of your stew. (7 minutes)
Add tomatoes and spices
4Stir in chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce. Add thyme, bay leaf, and cayenne pepper or chili powder if using. Mixing spices now allows them to bloom and enhance the stew's taste. (5 minutes)
Simmer the goat chops
5Return browned goat chops to the pot. Add chicken or beef broth and sliced bell pepper. The liquid should partially cover the meat but not submerge it completely. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes or until the meat is tender. Check occasionally to ensure the stew isn’t sticking, and add a bit more broth if needed. (40 minutes)
Check meat doneness and serve
6Use a meat thermometer to ensure the goat chops have reached a safe internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F). Meat should pull away easily from the bone and be tender to the bite. Discard bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with your choice of side such as rice, potatoes, or bread. (5 minutes)
Cooking Tips
1For extra tender meat, marinate the goat chops in a mix of lemon juice, garlic, and spices for 1-2 hours before cooking.
2Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning the meat to ensure proper caramelization.
3If the stew gets too thick during cooking, add a little more broth or water to maintain desired consistency.
4To reduce cooking time, use a pressure cooker but adjust broth quantities accordingly.
Equipment Needed
- Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Meat thermometer
- Stirring spoon
Shopping List
- [ ] 800g Goat chops ($10) - Choose fresh chops with firm texture and no unpleasant odor.
- [ ] 2 tbsp Vegetable oil ($0.20) - Use neutral oil such as canola or sunflower.
- [ ] 1 medium Onion ($0.50) - Fresh and firm with no blemishes.
- [ ] 3 Garlic cloves ($0.30) - Pick firm cloves without sprouting.
- [ ] Fresh ginger ($0.50) - Look for plump, unwrinkled pieces.
- [ ] 400g Tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes ($1.00) - Ripe or high-quality canned.
- [ ] Tomato paste ($0.50) - Choose brands with no added sugar or preservatives.
- [ ] 1 Bell pepper ($0.80) - Bright color, firm, no soft spots.
- [ ] Dried thyme or fresh thyme ($0.50) - Fresh preferred for flavor.
- [ ] 1 Bay leaf ($0.10) - Dried bay leaf.
- [ ] 250ml Chicken or beef broth ($0.70) - Use low-sodium if possible.
- [ ] Salt and Pepper ($0.10) - From your pantry.
- [ ] Cayenne pepper or chili powder ($0.20) - Optional.
Total approximate cost: $15.20
FAQ
Can I use other cuts of goat meat for this stew?
Yes, you can use goat shoulder or leg, but cooking times may vary slightly as these cuts can be tougher or thicker.
How can I tell when the goat chops are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). The meat should be tender and pull away easily from the bone.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Yes, the flavors develop even more when left overnight. Store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
What side dishes go well with stewed goat chops?
Stewed goat chops pair wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, ugali, or steamed vegetables.