Romazava

Madagascar's national dish: a light, fragrant broth of beef and mixed leafy greens, with ginger, tomato and onion. It is eaten with rice.

Romazava

Madagaskar stew 2019-10-01: Z thomas, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Where it comes from

Romazava is a Malagasy classic, with a stew of greens called brèdes, including a tingly flower called paracress that adds a gentle numbing sensation. It is served in homes across the island.

Explore the cuisine of Madagascar.

Recipe

Make Romazava at home

Serves 4-6Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 500 g beef chuck, cubed
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 cups mixed greens (watercress, spinach, bok choy)
  • 1 bunch scallions
  • 4 cups water or beef stock
  • salt and pepper
  • cooked rice

How it's made

  1. Brown the beef in oil in a pot, then add the onion, garlic and ginger.
  2. Add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Pour in the water or stock, season and bring to a boil.
  4. Cover and simmer 1 hour, until the beef is tender.
  5. Add the greens and scallions and cook 5-8 minutes.
  6. Serve over rice in deep bowls.

Variations

  • Romazava with zebu beef and pork.
  • Romazava with chicken for a lighter version.

Cook’s tip: Add the greens at the end so they stay bright green and keep their texture.

Related dishes

About this page

Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.

Photo credit
  • Madagaskar stew 2019-10-01: Z thomas, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)