Spicy Beef Stew (Bo Kho): A Vietnamese Winter Warmer

As the temperatures drop and the chilly winter winds start to blow, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of spicy beef stew to warm you up from the inside out. Bo Kho, a traditional Vietnamese dish, is the perfect comfort food for those cold nights when all you want to do is curl up under a blanket and indulge in something hearty and delicious.

Bo Kho is a hearty stew made with tender chunks of beef, carrots, onions, and a flavorful broth spiced with lemongrass, star anise, and fiery chili peppers. The combination of savory and spicy flavors makes this dish a standout in Vietnamese cuisine, and it’s guaranteed to warm you up even on the coldest of days.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 cups water
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 3-4 red chili peppers, sliced (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro and crusty bread for serving

Instructions:

To make Bo Kho, start by seasoning the beef chunks with salt, pepper, curry powder, and paprika. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the beef on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Add the sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Stir well to combine and cook for a few minutes until the spices are aromatic.

Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours until the beef is tender.

Once the beef is cooked through, add the sliced carrots, diced tomatoes, and red chili peppers. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes until the carrots are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Bo Kho hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the spicy warmth of this delicious Vietnamese winter warmer!

Conclusion:

Spicy Beef Stew (Bo Kho) is a classic Vietnamese dish that is perfect for warming you up during the cold winter months. The rich and hearty flavors of the tender beef and aromatic spices will have you coming back for more, making this dish a standout in Vietnamese cuisine. So, next time you’re feeling the winter chill, whip up a pot of Bo Kho and enjoy the cozy comfort of this delicious stew.