My eldest son had his monthly “Country Tasting” in his 3rd grade class the other day.  This month it was Madagascar.  I have The African Cookbook: Tastes of the Continent by Jessica B Harris that friends gave us years ago and I finally put to use!  I made the “national dish” of Madagascar Romazava (Malagache Mixed Meat Stew).  I was fairly certain my son would like it but I wasn’t so sure how many of the other kids in class would, especially one or two I know to be a bit pickier than my kids.  But I was astounded at the positive overwhelming response and one girl even asked me to give her mother the recipe. 

 My 3rd grader explaining how lemurs have stink fights.

So here it is for all to share.  I didn’t change much from the original recipe, only in that I used the crock pot for the majority of the cooking so changed the order of how things were added plus I used a different oil than peanut because of allergies.  Definitely not a vegetarian dish!  It is also very heavy in garlic and ginger, both of which me and my family love.Romazava (Malagache Mixed Meat Stew) 

1 Tbsp canola oil (or peanut)

1 lb stew beef, in 1 inch chunks

1 lb pork shoulder, in 1 inch chunks

3 chicken breasts, cut into bite sized-pieces

6 very ripe (or 1 lg. can tomatoes) coarsely chopped

2 med onions, chopped

7 cloves garlic, minced (I used my mini processor to mince them)

2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated

1 lb fresh spinach,  cut into small ribbons

sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

2 cups water

Sear pork in hot oil for a couple of minutes until all sides have turned from pink to beige. Cover with water and bring to a boil then add all to slow cooker.  In the same pan used for pork, sear beef and add to crock pot.  Add chicken, onions, tomatoes, ginger and garlic.  Cook on low for 6 hours.  Add spinach and salt and pepper.  Cook for another 30-60 minutes on low until spinach is wilted.  I served mine over Jasmine rice.

We had enough for the tasting so that each student and teachers, volunteers got a taste and I brought it home and we had it for dinner.  I would want to change it up if I tried it again.  Maybe add a spice or herb, but it’s tasty without.