Carne Guisada

Carne Guisada is a delicious Mexican stew made with tender pieces of beef simmered in a flavorful sauce. Here’s a traditional recipe for Carne Guisada:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 jalapeño peppers, diced (optional, for heat)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Cooked rice or warm tortillas (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches and brown on all sides. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and diced jalapeños (if using), and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes start to break down and the spices are fragrant.
4. Simmer with Beef Broth: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Simmer and Tenderize: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the carne guisada simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and add more beef broth if needed to maintain desired consistency.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the carne guisada and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
7. Serve: Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the carne guisada hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the stew. Enjoy with rice or warm tortillas.

This hearty and flavorful Carne Guisada is perfect for a comforting meal, especially during colder weather. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize according to your taste preferences. Enjoy!