One pot wonders: 8 ultimate stews for this winter

By Abonga Xoki, 23 October 2025

Stews are one of the simplest yet most flavour-packed dishes you’ll ever make. They’re low-maintenance, one-pot wonders that feed your soul. The more you add, the better the outcome and recipes are often passed down through generations.

South African stews reflect the country's diverse cultural heritage. Different regions and cultures have their own unique recipes, which are often influenced by their history, traditions, and geographical location (NumberAnalytics).

As root vegetables, meat and aromatic herbs meld together in a rich broth, they create complex flavours that simply can't be rushed. From a traditional beef stew to a chunky vegetarian winter vegetable stew, these one-pot wonders deliver both convenience and comfort when we need it most. Here are our top picks.

 

1.Inyama yenkomo (beef stew)  

Beef stew is a beloved traditional South African dish. Each recipe is unique, but it somehow manages to bring together cultures and religions. Tender stewing beef is simmered with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs to create a flavourful meal perfect for chilly evenings, and it’s ready in just 60 minutes.  Explore this delicious taste of South African cuisine.

inyama yenkomo recipe

 

2.Chicken stew  

Transform cold weeknights with this easy chicken stew recipe made with drumsticks in a rich tomato gravy.  Ready with just minimal prep, it's the perfect solution for when time is short, but flavour can't be compromised. It might become a staple in your home this winter. This recipe pairs beautifully with potatoes, naan bread or rice.


chicken stew recipe 

 

3.Chunky winter vegetable stew with burnt sage butter 

Put those root vegetables to use this winter with this chunky winter vegetable stew topped with aromatic burnt sage butter. This dish showcases seasonal root vegetables in a comforting broth, elevated by nutty, crispy sage for extraordinary depth of flavour. Ready in just over an hour, this vegetarian dish pairs perfectly with pearl barley, and the best part is it’s budget-friendly too!

chunky winter vegetable stew recipe

 

4.Easy lamb stew

Master our easy lamb stew recipe featuring tender neck or knuckle simmered to perfection with sweet carrots and buttery potatoes. This dish requires just 15 minutes of prep and delivers mouthwatering results after a gentle two-hour simmer.

plate of easy lamb stew
easy lamb stew recipe

 

5.Oxtail stew  

In the mood to satisfy your cravings? Discover this rich, succulent oxtail stew recipe where meltingly tender meat is simmered with red wine, aromatic herbs and sweet vegetables for unmatched depth of flavour. This easy-to-follow South African comfort classic requires just 15 minutes of prep before a four-hour slow cook transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious feast. Perfect for serving with rice, pap, or mashed potatoes, it pairs beautifully with a robust Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre for the ultimate winter meal experience.

Oxtail-stew
oxtail stew recipe

6.Boerewors stew  

This authentic South African boerewors stew is ready in just 30 minutes! It combines traditional beef sausage with aromatic spices, rich tomatoes and savoury herbs in a simple one-pot wonder. This recipe by Abigail Donnelly delivers robust Cape Malay-inspired flavours without hours of simmering. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal that brings South African heritage straight to your dinner table. A cost-effective meal and energy saver this winter.


boerewors stew recipe

 

7.Curried bean stew 

A flavourful curried bean stew, ready in just 25 minutes. This vegetarian dish combines creamy butter beans with aromatic Indian spices, tomatoes and fresh herbs for a meal that's both budget-friendly and packed with protein. Perfect for busy weeknights or meat-free Mondays, it’s served with crispy poppadoms for an authentic touch. Discover how simple pantry staples transform into this comforting, plant-based curry.


curried bean stew recipe

 

8.Fish stew with dombolo 

Chef Mogau Seshoene's fish stew with dombolo features tender hake in a rich coconut milk broth with vegetables and spices. Serve it with traditional steamed bread for the perfect comfort meal.

Fish stew with dombolo
fish stew with dombolo recipe

9.Curried tripe 

This easy curried tripe recipe by Sharon Mbonambi has a sweet-savoury twist. While ox tripe is traditionally cooked with salt, pepper and onions, this dish combines tender ox tripe with aromatic curry spices, potatoes and apricot jam. Served with samp and beans, it's a nostalgic South African favourite perfect for family meals.


curried tripe recipe

Discover more stew recipes here.

This content was created with AI assistance, however it was fact-checked, edited and ideated by actual human beings at TASTE.

Abonga Xoki

Article by Abonga Xoki

Abonga’s superpower is helping readers discover delicious recipes online. Her dinner party trick? She arrives hungry and ready to eat. She loves air fryer–friendly dishes, but when it comes to her ultimate favourite, lamb, she believes a good dish should never be rushed.
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