Carne en Jocon

Carne en Jocon Recipe from Guatemala - Delicious Beef Chuck Stewed with Green Tomatoes and Spices

Region / culture: Guatemala | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Carne en Jocon is a traditional Guatemalan dish that features tender beef simmered in a flavorful green sauce made with tomatoes, peppers, and spices. This dish is hearty and comforting, perfect for a cozy meal with family and friends.

History

Carne en Jocon has its roots in Mayan cuisine and has been enjoyed in Guatemala for centuries. The dish is typically made with locally sourced ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and herbs, and is a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 red or green bell peppers, seeded and chopped
1 fresh hot red or green pepper, seeded and chopped
3 lb (1.36 kg) lean, boneless beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 x 10 oz (283 g) can Mexican green tomatoes and liquid from the can
4 medium tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 bay leaf
2 cloves
0.5 tsp oregano
salt, freshly ground pepper
0.5 cup beef stock, more or less
2 stale tortillas, or 2 tbsp masa harina, or 2 tbsp cornmeal

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan or casserole and sauté the onion, garlic, and peppers until the onion is soft.
Add the meat and all the other ingredients except the tortillas.
The liquid should barely cover the meat.
Add a little more stock, if necessary.
Cover and simmer gently until the beef is tender, about 2 hours.
If using tortillas, soak them in cold water, squeeze them out, and crumble them like breadcrumbs.
Add the crumbled tortillas to the casserole and simmer, uncovered, until the sauce is thickened.
If using masa harina or cornmeal, mix it with a little cold water and stir it into the stew, cooking just until the sauce is thickened (cornmeal will take a few minutes longer to thicken).
Serve the stew on a bed of Arroz Guatemalteco (rice, Guatemalan-style).

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less spice, adjust the amount of vegetables, or even swap out the beef for chicken or pork for a different twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best results, be sure to use lean beef chuck for this recipe and cut it into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Searing the meat before simmering it in the sauce will help to lock in the flavors and create a rich, savory base for the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Carne en Jocon is traditionally served over a bed of Arroz Guatemalteco (Guatemalan-style rice) for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also enjoy it with warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Carne en Jocon is to simmer the beef slowly in the flavorful green sauce until it is tender and the flavors have melded together. Be patient and allow the dish to cook low and slow for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find Mexican green tomatoes, you can use tomatillos as a substitute. You can also use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different variation of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Carne en Jocon can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as the dish sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Carne en Jocon in a large serving dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a pop of color. You can also garnish with a squeeze of lime juice for a bright and zesty finish.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a light and refreshing contrast. A glass of red wine or a cold beer can also complement the rich flavors of the beef and sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Carne en Jocon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Carne en Jocon contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying meal that won't weigh you down. Pair it with a side of rice or tortillas for a complete and balanced meal.

Carbohydrates

Carne en Jocon is a carb-friendly dish, with each serving containing approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of the carbs come from the vegetables and cornmeal used in the sauce.

Fats

Each serving of Carne en Jocon contains around 15 grams of fat, primarily from the beef and oil used in cooking. To reduce the fat content, you can opt for leaner cuts of beef and use less oil in the recipe.

Proteins

This dish is a good source of protein, with each serving providing around 30 grams. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, making Carne en Jocon a satisfying and nourishing meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Carne en Jocon is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of vegetables used in the recipe. Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C, while tomatoes provide vitamin A and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains cornmeal, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Carne en Jocon is a nutritious and well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy it as part of a healthy and varied diet.

Summary

Carne en Jocon is a delicious and comforting dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Guatemalan cuisine. With its tender beef, flavorful green sauce, and hearty vegetables, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it with family and friends for a memorable meal that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Guatemala.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Carne en Jocon. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Guatemala. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, was the one who introduced me to this delicious dish.

I can still remember the sweet aroma that filled her kitchen as she cooked the tender pieces of meat in a rich, green sauce. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.

My grandmother was a talented cook, and she had a knack for creating the most mouthwatering dishes from scratch. She learned to cook from her own mother, who passed down the family recipes through the generations. Carne en Jocon was one of those recipes that had been in our family for as long as anyone could remember.

As I watched my grandmother work her magic in the kitchen, I begged her to teach me how to make Carne en Jocon. She smiled at my enthusiasm and agreed to show me the ropes. Together, we gathered the ingredients we would need: tender pieces of beef, ripe tomatoes, fragrant cilantro, and the star of the show - fresh tomatillos.

My grandmother showed me how to roast the tomatillos until they were tender and charred, giving the sauce a smoky depth of flavor. She taught me how to blend the tomatillos with garlic, onions, and cilantro to create a vibrant green sauce that would be the base of our dish.

Next, we seared the beef in a hot pan until it was browned and caramelized, then added the green sauce and let it simmer until the meat was tender and juicy. The aroma that filled the kitchen as the Carne en Jocon cooked was simply intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When it was finally ready, my grandmother served me a steaming plate of Carne en Jocon alongside a generous helping of rice and beans. The first bite was pure heaven - the tender meat melted in my mouth, while the tangy, herbaceous sauce danced on my taste buds.

From that moment on, Carne en Jocon became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, special occasions, and even just for myself when I was in need of a comforting meal. Each time I cooked it, I thought of my grandmother and the invaluable gift she had given me by passing down this treasured recipe.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. But the heart of the dish - the rich, green sauce and tender pieces of meat - remains unchanged, a testament to the enduring legacy of my grandmother's culinary expertise.

Now, as I pass down the recipe for Carne en Jocon to my own grandchildren, I feel a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that this dish will continue to bring joy and nourishment to future generations. I am grateful for the lessons my grandmother taught me in the kitchen, and I will always cherish the memories of cooking together and sharing our love of food. Carne en Jocon will forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the enduring power of family, tradition, and the simple pleasure of a good meal shared with loved ones.