Carne Guisa

Carne Guisa Recipe - A Delicious Beef Stew from Italy and Puerto Rico

Region / culture: Italy, Puerto Rico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Carne Guisada is a traditional Latin American stew that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. This dish is made with tender beef stew meat, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce that is simmered to perfection.

History

Carne Guisada has roots in Latin American cuisine, with variations found in countries such as Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Cuba. This dish has been passed down through generations and is a beloved comfort food in many households.

Ingredients

1.5 – 2 lb (907 g) of beef for stew
0.25 cup of flour for dredging
2 – 3 tbsp of oregano
2 – 3 tbsp of "adobo"
4 – 5 tbsp of "sofrito"
4 tbsp of vegetable oil
2 tbsp of tomato paste
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can of tomato sauce
1 x 12 oz (340 g) can of beef or chicken broth
2 cup red wine
2 – 3 potatoes peeled and quartered
1 carrot sliced into rings (optional)
1 – 2 bay leaves

How to prepare

Season the stew beef with adobo.
Lightly dredge the stew meat in flour.
Heat oil in a large pot and brown the meat.
Once the meat is nicely browned, lower the flame and add sofrito. Continue cooking for about 5 – 10 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot.
Add the tomato sauce, beef/chicken broth, and red wine.
Add oregano and bring up the heat to simmer.
This would be a good time to taste for seasoning. If you feel it needs more, add salt and pepper to taste.
Continue simmering for about 15 – 20 minutes.
Add potatoes and carrots and cook until fork-tender. The beef should be tender by this time.
Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard.
You can serve this with white rice, egg noodles, or Italian bread. Enjoy.

Variations

Add bell peppers or olives for extra flavor.
Use different cuts of beef such as chuck roast or brisket for a different texture.
Make a vegetarian version using mushrooms or tofu as a meat substitute.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the meat before adding the other ingredients to enhance the flavor of the stew.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more adobo, oregano, or sofrito.

- Simmer the stew on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Carne Guisada with white rice, egg noodles, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat before simmering adds depth of flavor to the stew.

- Simmering the stew on low heat allows the meat to become tender and the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute beef stew meat with pork or chicken for a different twist.

- Use different herbs and spices such as cumin, paprika, or cilantro for a unique flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Carne Guisada can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Carne Guisada in a bowl garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Carne Guisada with a side of black beans, plantains, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Carne Guisada typically contains around 300-350 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

Carne Guisada is a hearty dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates, with around 20-25 grams per serving.

Fats

This dish is moderate in fats, with around 10-15 grams per serving, depending on the cut of beef used.

Proteins

Carne Guisada is a protein-rich dish, with around 30-35 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and herbs used, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as wheat (from the flour used for dredging) and soy (from the adobo seasoning).

Summary

Overall, Carne Guisada is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Carne Guisada is a delicious and comforting stew that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. With tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy with rice, noodles, or bread for a satisfying and hearty meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a cool autumn day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. The savory aroma of simmering meat and spices wafted through the air, tempting my taste buds and making my stomach growl in anticipation. Maria was busy at the stove, stirring a large pot of Carne Guisada, a traditional Mexican stew that was a family favorite.

As I watched her work, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the way she effortlessly combined ingredients, adjusting seasonings and flavors with a skill that was both instinctive and practiced. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Maria noticed my interest and smiled knowingly. "Would you like to learn how to make Carne Guisada?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. I nodded eagerly, and she handed me a pen and a piece of paper. "Write this down," she said, dictating the ingredients and instructions in a rapid-fire manner that left me scrambling to keep up.

After a whirlwind lesson in the art of Carne Guisada, I left Maria's house with a head full of new knowledge and a heart full of excitement. I couldn't wait to try my hand at making this delicious stew for my own family. Over the next few weeks, I practiced and perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes.

I soon discovered that the key to a truly great Carne Guisada lay in the quality of the ingredients. I made sure to use only the freshest meat, vegetables, and spices, sourcing them from local markets and trusted suppliers. I also learned that patience was a virtue when it came to cooking this dish – the longer it simmered, the more flavorful and tender the meat became.

As I cooked, I thought back to the other recipes I had learned over the years – from my mother, my aunts, and even strangers I had met in my travels. Each dish told a story, a tale of tradition and culture that had been passed down through generations. I realized that cooking was more than just a means of nourishment – it was a way of connecting with my roots, of preserving memories and traditions that might otherwise be lost.

And so, with each batch of Carne Guisada that I made, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I knew that I was carrying on a legacy, honoring the women who had come before me and passing on their knowledge to the next generation. My children and grandchildren would grow up with the taste of Carne Guisada on their tongues, with the memory of my hands shaping dough and stirring pots.

As I grew older, my hands became gnarled and stiff, but my love for cooking never wavered. I continued to experiment with new recipes, to seek out new flavors and techniques that would challenge and inspire me. And through it all, the recipe for Carne Guisada remained a steadfast favorite, a touchstone that reminded me of my dear friend Maria and the day I first fell in love with the art of cooking.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of spices and simmering meat, I can't help but smile. I may no longer be as spry as I once was, but my passion for cooking burns as brightly as ever. And as long as I have my trusty recipe for Carne Guisada, I know that I will always have a connection to my past and a delicious meal to share with those I love.