Treat your palate to the rich and savory flavors of Carne Guisada. This traditional recipe promises a delicious journey through tender beef and bold spices, simmered to perfection for a comforting and hearty meal that stands out with every bite.
Carne Guisada Recipe
Ingredients:
- Oil: For sautéing the veggies and beef. Use any neutral cooking oil.
- Beef: Opt for “stew beef,” or chuck steak cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Onion: Chopped.
- Bell pepper: Preferably green, chopped into equal-sized pieces as the onion.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced.
- Tomato: Diced, preferably fresh.
- Salt: Adjust to taste.
- Spices: Black pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
- Tomato paste: For added richness.
- Beef broth: To make the gravy. Can swap for vegetable broth if necessary.
- Flour: To thicken the gravy.
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped, for garnish.
Instructions:
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat the oil in a pot and add the onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- After a few minutes, add the meat and cook until nicely browned on all sides. Season with pepper and cook for several more minutes until the meat softens.
- Build the Sauce:
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Then add the tomatoes and cook for several minutes, stirring frequently.
- Follow this by adding the flour and cooking until it heats up, then pour in the beef broth.
- Simmer the Stew:
- Season the stew with a dash of salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder, then bring the stew to a boil.
- Once it begins boiling, lower the temperature and cover the stew.
- Let it simmer for 2 hours until the meat is very fork-tender.
- Serve:
- Add water, if necessary, to ensure you have a thick but still fluid gravy. Stir occasionally until the meat is fully cooked.
- Serve the carne guisada warm with a garnish of fresh cilantro.
Tips:
- Add extra veggies like carrots, potatoes, squash, or sweet potatoes for added richness.
- Serve with toppings like sour cream, sliced avocado, fresh chopped tomatoes, or hot sauce.
- Bring the meat to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking to speed up the process.
- Brown the meat well on all sides to add depth of flavor and keep it tender.
- Adjust the seasoning as it cooks according to your preference.
What to Serve with Carne Guisada:
- Rice or tortillas
- Arepas
- Pupusas
- Cauliflower tortillas
Storage Instructions:
- To store: Let the stew cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to one week.
- To reheat: Warm it in a pot over medium heat or microwave in 20-second intervals until heated through.
- To freeze: Place cooled stew in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Enjoy your Carne Guisada with the comforting flavors of Mexico!
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