South African Apricot Beef Curry Recipe (Slow Cooker)
Did you know one of South Africa's easiest comfort meals is sweetened with apricot jam? Apricot beef curry is a slow-cooker dish of lean stew beef, onions, carrots and potatoes simmered with apricot jam, curry powder, paprika, garlic and beef broth. Add everything to the pot, cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 6, and serve over rice.
Part of: African Cuisine › Recipes to Cook Tonight
When it comes to quick and satisfying slow cooker meals, South African Apricot Beef Curry is at the top of the list. It’s filled with apricot jam, spices, and tender beef — perfect to serve with rice or grilled bread.
This recipe is a story exploring how South Africa’s rainbow nation blends African, Indian, Malay, and European influences into one rich culinary heritage.
How do you make South African apricot beef curry?
By The African Gourmet
African Food Recipe
South African food is one of the most diverse on the African continent. South African Apricot Beef Curry is an easy, delicious slow cooker dinner recipe to make on a weeknight.
South African Apricot Beef Curry
Serves: 4
| Serves | Cook on low | Cook on high | Serve with |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 8–10 hours | 4–6 hours | Rice or grilled bread |
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean stew beef
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 medium Irish potatoes, diced
- 1/3 cup apricot jam
- 2 whole garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon curry powder, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup beef broth
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a large slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–6 hours.
- Serve over rice.
Why is South African food so diverse?
The rainbow nation’s cuisine reflects centuries of cultural blending among Black African, Indian, Malay, and European communities, making South Africa one of the most diverse food cultures on the continent.
From Chakalaka in Black South African kitchens to Bo-Kaap Malay curries and Durban Indian dishes, every group brought its flavors, faiths, and traditions to the national table. Braai culture, Malay spice blends, and Durban Indian curries together define South Africa’s culinary identity — one of inclusion and creativity.
South African cooking reminds us that every meal is a story — of farmers, families, and the land itself. Behind every curry, stew, or grilled chop lies a quiet act of gratitude for the life that sustains another. Whether in a township kitchen or a city café, food remains the heartbeat of community.
Dishes like this reveal how African kitchens absorb, adapt, and transform global influences. Explore The African Gourmet →
If this caught your interest, you'll enjoy Kisra: Sudan's Fermented Sorghum Flatbread and How to Make It and Preserved Lemons (Msir): How North Africa Makes Them with Salt too.
Frequently asked questions
How long does apricot beef curry take in a slow cooker?
Cover and cook it on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours.
What makes this South African curry sweet?
A third of a cup of apricot jam, simmered with curry powder, paprika, garlic and beef broth.
What should I serve with apricot beef curry?
Serve it over rice, or with grilled bread.
How many people does this recipe serve?
It serves 4.
A Note
This recipe is shared as a contemporary example of South African home cooking. For more on the history of African staple foods and indigenous ingredients, see the African Cuisine page.
