Carne Mechada Sauce Recipe - Traditional Venezuelan Dish

Carne Mechada Sauce

Carne Mechada Sauce Recipe - Traditional Venezuelan Dish
Region / culture: Venezuela | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Carne Mechada Sauce
Carne Mechada Sauce

Carne Mechada Sauce is a delicious and flavorful sauce that is perfect for adding to shredded meat. This sauce is packed with a variety of ingredients that come together to create a rich and savory flavor profile. Whether you are making tacos, burritos, or simply serving it over rice, this Carne Mechada Sauce is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Carne Mechada Sauce has its origins in Latin American cuisine, particularly in countries like Venezuela and Colombia. This sauce is typically used to add flavor to shredded beef, creating a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of peppers, onions, tomatoes, and spices in this sauce creates a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Simmer shredded meat with the above sauce. Add 0.5 tsp of thyme, 0.25 tsp of pepper,
  2. 3 bay leaves, 1 tsp of oregano, 1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce, 0.5 tsp of cumin, and salt to
  3. taste.

Variations

  • For a spicier version of this Carne Mechada Sauce, add a diced jalapeno pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add a splash of red wine or beef broth for added depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Carne Mechada Sauce, be sure to simmer the shredded meat with the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Additionally, be sure to adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or spices as needed. For a thicker sauce, you can also add a cornstarch slurry to the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Carne Mechada Sauce over shredded beef, rice, or in tacos for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the shredded meat with the sauce on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have green peppers, you can use red or yellow peppers instead. You can also use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.

Make Ahead Tips

This Carne Mechada Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Carne Mechada Sauce in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Carne Mechada Sauce with rice, beans, tortillas, or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Carne Mechada Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 150

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Fats: 5g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This Carne Mechada Sauce is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This Carne Mechada Sauce contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Overall, this Carne Mechada Sauce is a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this sauce is sure to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.

Summary

Carne Mechada Sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that is perfect for adding flavor to shredded meat. With a combination of peppers, onions, tomatoes, and spices, this sauce is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or with beans for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. I was visiting my friend Maria, who had just returned from a trip to Venezuela. She had learned how to make Carne Mechada Sauce from a local chef and was raving about how delicious it was.

As soon as Maria showed me the recipe, I was intrigued. The combination of tender beef, flavorful spices, and a rich tomato sauce sounded like a winning combination. I asked Maria to teach me how to make it, and she happily agreed.

We started by marinating the beef in a mixture of garlic, cumin, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. The spices filled the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma as we let the meat marinate for a few hours. Meanwhile, we chopped onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes to add to the sauce.

Once the beef was ready, we seared it in a hot pan to lock in the flavors. Then, we added the chopped vegetables and simmered everything together in a rich tomato sauce. The sauce bubbled and thickened, coating the beef in a luscious, savory gravy.

When the Carne Mechada Sauce was finally ready, we couldn't wait to dig in. The beef was tender and juicy, infused with the flavors of the spices and vegetables. The sauce was rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of heat from the paprika.

I knew that I had to add this recipe to my repertoire. I took notes as Maria walked me through each step, making sure to capture all the nuances of the dish. I made a few tweaks to the recipe to suit my own tastes, adding a touch of red wine and a splash of vinegar for extra depth of flavor.

Over the years, I have made Carne Mechada Sauce countless times, each batch better than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all become fans of this delicious dish. It has become a staple at potlucks and family gatherings, always disappearing quickly as everyone goes back for seconds.

I have come to cherish this recipe not just for its delicious flavors, but for the memories it holds. Making Carne Mechada Sauce always reminds me of the day I spent with Maria, learning how to recreate a taste of Venezuela in my own kitchen. It reminds me of all the times I have shared this dish with loved ones, creating new memories and traditions along the way.

As I sit down to enjoy a plate of Carne Mechada Sauce, I am grateful for the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment. The flavors of the spices, the tender beef, and the rich tomato sauce all come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. I am proud to have mastered this recipe and to have added it to my collection of beloved dishes.

And as I take my last bite, I can't help but smile at the thought that somewhere in Venezuela, a chef is teaching someone else how to make Carne Mechada Sauce, passing on the tradition and the love for cooking that has brought me so much joy.

Categories

| Green Bell Pepper Recipes | Oregano Recipes | Thyme Recipes | Venezuelan Meat Dishes | Venezuelan Recipes |

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