Carne Guisada is a traditional Latin American dish, particularly popular in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s a hearty beef stew, typically made with chunks of beef simmered in a rich gravy flavored with spices, tomatoes, and sometimes vegetables. Here’s a basic recipe for Carne Guisada:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Brown the Meat:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices:
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) and tomato paste.
- Add the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the meat is covered.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
- Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the pot and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
- Serve hot with rice, beans, tortillas, or your favorite side dish.
Enjoy your Carne Guisada!
