This beef dish is very special, it includes key ingredients that make it flavorful and a top choice on Guatemalan tables, so today you're likely to be preparing this fabulous recipe.
It is served with white rice, black beans, and freshly made corn tortillas.
To prepare it, cuts of beef such as the shank or skirt steak are diced and browned in oil along with onion, garlic, and sweet pepper.
Then, a mixture of tomato, bell pepper, and spices such as cumin, oregano, and cloves is added, and it’s cooked on low heat until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens. The result is a dish full of flavor and aroma, enjoyed with every bite.
A bit of history
It is said that its origin dates back to the Spanish colonization era, when the conquistadors introduced a variety of spices to Latin America.
Braised beef is an example of this, as it combines imported beef with local ingredients like tomato and sweet pepper.
It is believed that during the Revolution, guerrillas would gather around a pot of braised beef to share a moment of camaraderie and strength before heading out to fight.
It is also said that this dish was very common during patron saint festivals and family gatherings.
Preparation Tips
To make this delicious recipe, it’s important to use good quality beef and cut it into appropriately sized cubes for uniform cooking.
Additionally, searing the meat before cooking it with the other ingredients helps to seal in the juices and gives it a more intense flavor.
An extra tip is to use homemade tomato sauce instead of canned sauce, as it will give a more authentic taste to the dish.
Furthermore, it’s recommended to cook the meat on low heat for several hours to tenderize it and allow it to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Finally, you can serve the braised beef with white rice, black beans, and freshly made corn tortillas for a full and authentic culinary experience.
Braised Beef
Ingredients
2 pounds of Cubed beef
5 Ripe tomatoes
1 Guaq chili, without seeds
1 Onion cut in half
4 Cilantro sprigs
3 Garlic cloves
3 Potatoes cut into chunks
2 Carrots sliced
1 tablespoon of White wine or vinegar
1 tablespoon of Chicken or beef broth
3 tablespoons of Cooking oil
2 Bay leaves
Salt and black pepper
Preparation
Step 1 : First, prepare a sauce by cooking the tomatoes, guaqu chili, onion, and garlic in a large pot.
Step 2 : Once cooked, blend the mixture until smooth and set aside.
Step 3 : In a deep skillet, heat oil and add chopped garlic and bay leaves.
Step 4 : Add the chopped beef and season with salt and pepper.
Step 5 : Let the meat brown on both sides, then add the white wine.
Step 6 : Add the prepared sauce to the skillet with the meat, seasoning with additional bay leaves, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 7 : Let it simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
Step 8 : Finally, add carrots, potatoes, and cilantro, cooking until all ingredients are tender.
Step 9 : Serve the braised beef accompanied by white rice.
Preparation (simple version)
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