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West African Calf Head Stew

Calf head meat is tender when slow cooked.

Calf head meat is tender and delicious in a rich homemade beef broth simmered with Egusi seeds, fresh herbs, spices, and root vegetables.

Why Cooking the Whole Animal Matters

For many people, the idea of cooking with a calf’s head can seem unusual. In modern supermarkets, most meats are cut, cleaned, and neatly wrapped long before reaching the kitchen. Eyes, bones, and skin are rarely seen — and so we forget how much of the animal once went into a single meal.

Across much of Africa and the world, however, cooking with the whole animal is a tradition of respect and resourcefulness. Nothing is wasted. Every part — from head to tail — is used to create rich broths, tender stews, and nourishing dishes that honor the life taken to provide food.

This recipe is a reflection of that wisdom. Preparing calf head meat slowly and carefully is not only a culinary practice — it’s an act of gratitude, connection, and heritage.

Calf head meat refers to the meat that comes from the head of a young cow. It is a cut of meat typically found in specialty markets or butchers in the United States. The meat from the calf's head is typically tough and chewy, so it is often slow-cooked or braised to make it tender.

Common Ways to Prepare Calf Head Meat

Head cheese: A cold cut made from the meat, skin, and other parts of the calf's head. The meat is cooked, molded into a loaf or terrine, and served cold.

Tacos de cabeza: A Mexican dish made from slow-cooked calf head meat seasoned with spices like cumin and chili powder, then served in corn tortillas with cilantro, onion, and lime.

Boiled calf head: In many African cultures, the calf's head is boiled and served with rice, bread, or fufu.

While calf head meat is not common in most Western diets, it is considered a delicacy in many African cuisines. Its tender, gelatinous texture makes it perfect for stews, soups, and hearty meals shared among family.

Another common ingredient in West African cooking is Egusi seeds — the dried, ground seeds of melon or squash plants. Combined with slow-cooked meat and root vegetables, Egusi creates a thick, flavorful sauce that defines many beloved dishes across West Africa.

Calf head meat is tender when slow cooked.

West African Calf Head Stew Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds calf’s head meat
• 2 cups white mushrooms
• 2 large potatoes
• 1 medium yam, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 lemon rind, grated
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon Egusi paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water to cover

Directions

In a large pot, add the calf head meat and cook on medium-high with three gallons of fresh water, vinegar, and sea salt for 3 hours, replacing the water as needed. Strain broth from the meat. In another pot, add 2 cups of the strained broth, 4 cups of water, the remaining ingredients, and the cooked meat. Simmer 30 minutes or until the yams are fork-tender. Serve with fufu or rice. Learn how to make fufu here.

Did You Know?

Cooking with every part of an animal is a sustainable and respectful tradition practiced across Africa. It reduces waste, preserves flavor, and carries forward generations of food wisdom.

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5. Fried Rice Cakes Recipe

Explore More from the African Cuisine Hub

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• African Cooking Techniques

African food tells the story of respect — from the farmer’s field to the family table.