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Madagascar’s Romazava: A Warm and Fragrant Meat and Greens Stew

romazava-recipe-buster-madagascer (1)

Romazava is widely considered the national dish of Madagascar—a warm, aromatic sauce that beautifully reflects the island’s cultural diversity, agricultural abundance, and deep connection to traditional healing plants. 

Made with a blend of meats—beef, pork, or chicken—tomatoes, onions, and the star ingredient, local leafy greens such as anamamy or watercress—Romazava is a dish that balances simplicity with remarkable depth of flavor. 

The sauce is gently simmered until the greens release their natural juices, creating a lightly spiced broth with a refreshing, slightly peppery taste.

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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 7
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Romazava is widely considered the national dish of Madagascar—a warm, aromatic sauce that beautifully reflects the island’s cultural diversity.

Background and Origin

Historically, Romazava traces its roots to the Merina people of Madagascar’s central highlands. Early versions of the dish were enjoyed by Madagascar’s royalty, especially during the Merina kingdom period in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Over time, the recipe spread across the island, evolving with each region’s available herbs and vegetables while retaining its signature character—clean, wholesome, and deeply comforting.

The name itself has a unique meaning;

  • “Ro” meaning dish
  • “Mazava” meaning clear,

This meaning refer to the dish’s light, broth-like base. Unlike many stews influenced by African, Arab, or French culinary traditions, Romazava is uniquely Malagasy—rooted in indigenous ingredients and cooking philosophy, which emphasizes balance, nourishment, and medicinal value.

Today, Romazava is enjoyed everywhere on the island, from family homes to festive gatherings, often served with rice, the staple of Malagasy cuisine. It stands as a symbol of Madagascar’s culinary identity: humble yet rich, local yet timeless, and always prepared with intention and heart.

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs beef
  • 1/4 cup oil,
  • 1 big onion, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp garlic, grated
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper,
  • 1 jalapeno, minced
  • 8 cups of water
  • 1 bunch Morelle spinach
  • 1 bunch watercress
  • 1 bunch mustard greens
Instructions
  1. 1
    How to Make Romazavaromazava-recipe-buster-madagascer (1)
    1. Chop the beef into large chunks and wash thoroughly. Set them aside.
    2. Chop the spinach and all the vegetables.
    3. In a large pot, sauté the onions and add the beef. Stir and allow it to cook for 15 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, garlic, and ginger paste. Add water to fill the pot halfway. Stir and allow it to boil for 40 minutes. 
    4. Then, add the chopped spinach. Lower the heat and add the remaining greens. Allow the sauce to simmer for 20 minutes or until the beef is tender.
    5. Taste and adjust seasoning.
    6. Serve with boiled rice.
    Video credit: TheGGJourney–YouTube
Note

Tips

  • You can use variations of beef, pork, and chicken in preparing romazava.
  • Also, use only spinach as a green as desired.
  • Ensure the greens are not overcooked to maintain their nutrients. 

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With its clear broth, gentle spices, and reliance on native plants, Romazava captures the essence of Malagasy cooking: rooted in tradition, shaped by the land, and meant to bring people together around a wholesome, warming meal.

Keywords: romazava
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