Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that transports you straight to the sun-drenched streets of Colombia? Look no further! This Carne Guisada recipe is a celebration of Colombian cuisine, offering a delicious and surprisingly easy way to enjoy authentic flavors in your own kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a culinary adventure!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Colombian Flavors
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground achiote (annatto) powder – this gives the dish its beautiful orange hue!
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting a Culinary Masterpiece
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps for a delicious Carne Guisada.
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Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches, ensuring a nice brown crust on all sides. Remove the seared beef and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Build the Flavor Base: Add the cumin, achiote powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step is crucial for developing the rich, complex flavors of the guisada.
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Combine and Simmer: Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. Stir occasionally.
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Taste and Adjust: After 1.5 hours, taste the stew and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper depending on your preference.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the beef is fall-apart tender, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Cooking Tips for Carne Guisada Success
- For even more tender beef: Consider using a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time. Follow the same steps, but cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes.
- Spice it up: Add a few jalapeños with the onions and peppers for extra heat.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving.
Variations: Explore the Flavors of Colombia
- Add potatoes: Include diced potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a heartier meal.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Use different meat: Substitute the beef with chicken or pork for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This is an approximate value and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This Carne Guisada recipe is a testament to the deliciousness and simplicity of homemade cooking. Enjoy this easy, healthy, and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant spirit of Colombia to your table! It's a perfect example of delicious dishes and the best recipes you can create with simple ingredients. Enjoy!