South African Lamb Potjiekos

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1. 1Step 1: Make a large fire and let it burn down to coals. It is best to keep a fire going in one area (to replenish the coals) and have a second area to cook the potjie.
2. 2Step 2: Once you have some nice coals ready, drag them out of the fire into a small pile and place the potjie over them. Make sure you follow instructions for how to clean and cure your potjie if this is your first time using it.
3. 3Step 3: Add the oil to the potjie and let it heat up until it begins to smoke slightly. Add the meat and cook, stirring, until it browns, about 15 minutes or so.
4. 4Step 4: Add the spices to the brown meat, then add the onions. Cook, stirring, for another 5 minutes or so.
5. 5Step 5: Add the tomato paste, ginger, and garlic and stir it all in. Cook for another 5 minutes or so.
6. 6Step 6: Add the herb sprigs if using, then add the broth. Give it a bit of a stir. Now throw the spoon away as that is the last time you'll stir this thing! Cover the potjie and cook for 2 hours. You're aiming to cook this nice and slow and gentle, so be mindful of how many new coals you add. You want it at a nice low simmer, so only add a couple hot coals at a time, then let them slowly burn out. You can get a bit of a sense by the steam (or lack thereof) escaping from the lid, or the sound of the pot bubbling. Try not to lift the lid right off. If you need to check to see if you need more liquid (mine did) take a quick peek by lifting one side of the lid. If it looks like the liquid has all evaporated, add more water or broth by pouring it down the sides of the potjie, never in the middle.
7. 7Step 7: After 2 hours, take off the lid and add the eggplant, carrots, and potatoes. DO NOT STIR! You can press the vegetables into the liquid a bit though. Cover and cook for 1 more hour.
8. 8Step 8: After an hour, take off the lid once more and add the peas and greens. Cover and cook for another 15 minutes or so.
9. 9Step 9: Take off the lid and cook for another 20-40 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly evaporated and the sauce thickens. Remember, don't stir this or I'll be very very cross with you!
10. 10Step 10: The potjiekos is finished! Spoon it onto plates or into bowls and shower it with fresh herbs. Serve with bread, couscous, or rice.
11. 11Step 11: Make sure everyone gets some of everything in the pot! Enjoy!