Baghdad-Style Beef Stew

This hearty stew brings together tender beef and warm spices for a comforting meal inspired by the rich flavors of Iraqi cuisine. It's perfect for cozy dinners and will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma.

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TIME3 hr 10 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound cubed beef stew meat 1 (17 ounce) can figs, drained (reserve juice) and chopped 1 ¾ cups water, or as needed 1 cup sliced carrots ¾ cup sliced onion 6 green onions, chopped ½ teaspoon ground coriander ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ cup honey 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 cup sliced almonds

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating some oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned all over—this should take about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, pour the liquid you reserved from the figs into a measuring cup and add enough water to make 2 cups total. Pour this into the pot with the beef. Toss in the carrots, onion, green onions, coriander, and cinnamon, then give everything a good stir. Turn the heat down to low and let it simmer gently for about an hour and a half.

02

Step 2

After that, stir in the honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let it continue cooking on low for another hour to let those flavors really meld. Finally, add the figs and almonds, stir them in, and take the pot off the heat. Let the stew cool for about an hour before you reheat and serve—it really helps the flavors develop.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Brown the beef well before simmering to develop deeper flavor.
- Use fresh spices when possible to enhance the aroma and taste.
- Cook the stew slowly on low heat to make the meat tender and allow flavors to meld.

Why you’ll love it

This stew is full of rich flavors and warm spices that bring comfort to any meal. The tender beef melts in your mouth, while the blend of herbs and seasonings creates a unique taste that feels both hearty and exotic. It’s a perfect dish for sharing with family and friends on cooler days.

Serving ideas

Serve this stew over a bed of fluffy rice or with warm flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple side salad or steamed vegetables can add freshness and balance to the meal.

Storage & leftovers

Let the stew cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve the texture and flavor.