Beef with Green Chile

Mexican Beef with Green Chile Recipe

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Beef with Green Chile is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender beef with the spicy and tangy taste of green chiles. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a good kick of heat in their meals, balanced with the savory depth of beef. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that can be served in various ways, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

History

The origins of Beef with Green Chile can be traced back to the culinary traditions of the Southwestern United States and Mexico, where beef and chiles are staple ingredients. This dish is a fusion of Native American and Spanish influences, which have shaped the region's cuisine over centuries. It embodies the spirit of Southwestern cooking, which is known for its bold flavors and use of local ingredients.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of lean beef (such as sirloin)
2 cups of diced green chile (roasted and peeled, fresh or frozen)
0.5 cup of chopped onion
2 cloves of garlic, minced
0.5 tsp of salt
1 tbsp of cornstarch

How to prepare

Cut the beef into chunks or strips.
Add all the ingredients except cornstarch.
Simmer, covered, for approximately 30 minutes.
You may need to add a small amount of water to ensure the mixture simmers well (avoid adding too much water as it will make the mixture soupy).
Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a smooth paste.
Add the cornstarch mixture to the meat mixture and stir well.
Continue cooking until the cornstarch thickens the sauce (approximately 5 more minutes).

Variations

For a heartier version, you can add diced potatoes or beans to the mix. If you prefer a milder dish, consider using milder green chiles or reducing their quantity. Adding a splash of lime juice or a handful of cilantro can also bring a fresh twist to the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the beef is tender and flavorful, it's important to cut it against the grain. This makes the meat more tender and easier to chew. Additionally, using freshly roasted and peeled green chiles will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish. If fresh chiles are not available, frozen ones are a good substitute, but try to avoid canned chiles as they can be too soft and lack the vibrant flavor of fresh or frozen chiles.

Serving Suggestions

Beef with Green Chile can be served over rice, wrapped in tortillas for burritos, or alongside a fresh salad. It's also delicious when topped with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese, which adds a creamy texture and balances the heat of the chiles.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the beef slowly and covered allows it to become tender and absorb the flavors of the chiles and spices. Thickening the sauce with cornstarch at the end of cooking ensures a rich and satisfying texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If lean sirloin is not available, other cuts of beef such as chuck or round can be used, though they may require longer cooking times to become tender. For a vegetarian version, mushrooms or tofu can replace the beef.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Beef with Green Chile in a colorful bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and a wedge of lime. A side of warm tortillas or a scoop of rice makes it a complete and visually appealing meal.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp beer or a glass of bold red wine pairs well with the spicy and savory flavors of this dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled glass of limeade or iced tea complements the meal perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water if necessary to prevent sticking. The dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Beef with Green Chile contains approximately 250 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a main meal. This calorie count allows for flexibility in meal planning, especially for those monitoring their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the onions and green chiles. The total carbohydrate content per serving is approximately 10 grams, making it a suitable option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

Lean sirloin is used in this recipe to keep the fat content moderate. The total fat per serving is about 8 grams, with only 3 grams of saturated fat. This makes Beef with Green Chile a heart-healthy option that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Proteins

Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Each serving of this dish provides roughly 30 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. This makes it an ideal meal for those looking to maintain or increase their muscle mass.

Vitamins and minerals

Green chiles are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are important for immune function and vision, respectively. They also provide a good amount of potassium and iron. The beef contributes B vitamins, particularly B12, which is crucial for red blood cell formation and neurological function.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. However, those with a sensitivity to alliums (onions and garlic) should be cautious. Always check the labels of pre-packaged ingredients like cornstarch for potential allergen warnings.

Summary

Overall, Beef with Green Chile is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of proteins, fats, and vitamins. It's low in carbohydrates and calories, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Summary

Beef with Green Chile is a flavorful and nutritious dish that embodies the essence of Southwestern cuisine. With its rich history, versatile serving options, and health benefits, it's a recipe that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal on a chilly night or a vibrant dish for a gathering, Beef with Green Chile is sure to satisfy.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold close to my heart. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my mother harvest vegetables from our garden. As we sat down to rest, my mother shared with me a story of her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe for Beef with Green Chile.

My mother told me that her grandmother had learned the recipe from a dear friend who lived in a small village in Mexico. The friend had taught her how to blend the flavors of tender beef and spicy green chiles to create a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. My mother's grandmother had passed the recipe down through the generations, and now it was my turn to learn.

Excited to try my hand at a new dish, I asked my mother to teach me how to make Beef with Green Chile. She smiled and agreed, and together we gathered the ingredients we would need. The key to this recipe, my mother explained, was in the careful balance of flavors - the heat of the chiles, the richness of the beef, and the freshness of the vegetables.

We began by searing the beef in a hot skillet, letting it brown and caramelize to develop a deep, savory flavor. As the beef cooked, we chopped fresh green chiles and onions, adding them to the pan to cook and release their spicy aromas. The scent of roasting chiles filled the kitchen, making my mouth water with anticipation.

Next, we added a splash of beef broth to the pan, along with a handful of diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of spices. My mother taught me how to adjust the seasonings to taste, adding a pinch of salt here and a dash of cumin there until the flavors were just right. Finally, we let the dish simmer on the stove, allowing the meat to become tender and the sauce to thicken and develop its rich, spicy flavor.

As the Beef with Green Chile cooked, my mother shared more stories of her family and the traditions that had been passed down through the generations. She told me of the simple pleasures of gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing a meal made with care and love. I listened, captivated by her words and the sense of history and connection that surrounded this dish.

When the Beef with Green Chile was finally ready, my mother and I sat down to enjoy it together. The flavors were rich and complex, with the heat of the chiles balanced by the sweetness of the tomatoes and the savory depth of the beef. Each bite was a revelation, a new experience of taste and texture that filled me with a sense of accomplishment and connection to my family's past.

From that moment on, Beef with Green Chile became a beloved recipe in our household. I made it for special occasions and simple family meals, each time remembering the day I learned to make it with my mother. As I cooked, I could almost feel the presence of my ancestors in the kitchen, guiding my hands and whispering their secrets of flavor and tradition.

Now, as I share this recipe with my own grandchildren, I pass on not just a dish, but a piece of our family's history and heritage. I hope that they will cherish it as much as I do, and that it will bring them the same sense of connection and joy that it has brought me over the years. For me, Beef with Green Chile is more than just a recipe - it is a link to the past, a taste of love and memory that will endure for generations to come.