Chile Mango Beef Stew

Chile Mango Beef Stew Recipe from Mexico with Authentic Flavors

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 4-6 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Chile Mango Beef Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of tender beef, sweet mango, and spicy chiles. This stew is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with its unique and bold flavors.

History

This recipe is a fusion of Mexican and Caribbean flavors, combining the traditional spices and ingredients of both cuisines. The use of mango in the sauce adds a tropical sweetness to the dish, while the chiles provide a spicy kick. This stew is a modern twist on classic beef stew recipes, incorporating new and exciting flavors.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of lean beef, trimmed and cut into 0.5 inch pieces
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 tsp of chile powder
1 tsp of sea salt (to taste)
1 tsp of ground black pepper
2 large red potatoes, cut into eight pieces each
4 large carrots, slivered into 1 inch long pieces
1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped
1 tsp of Mexican oregano

Sauce

2 cups of chicken stock
1 cup of diced mangos
1 tbsp of lime juice
1 cup of diced tomatoes
1 tbsp of raisins
1 dried chipotle chile, toasted
3 dried ancho chiles, toasted
4 dried New Mexico chiles, toasted
1 tsp of dried cumin seed, toasted

How to prepare

Saute onions and garlic in a heavy skillet with 1 tbsp of olive oil.
Transfer them to a heavy cooking pot or crock pot.
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and chili powder on the beef stew meat.
Brown the beef in the skillet with olive oil and transfer it to the cooking pot.
Add potatoes and carrots to the cooking pot.
Sprinkle with oregano.
For the sauce, combine the chicken stock, diced mangos, tomatoes, lime juice, and raisins in the skillet.
Bring it to a boil and remove from heat.
Wash and toast dried chiles by removing stems and seeds, then place them on a cooking sheet with cumin seed in a 250°F (121°C) oven for a few minutes until the chiles are softened and aromatic.
Make sure not to burn the chiles.
Add the toasted chiles to the skillet containing the boiled sauce ingredients, cover, and allow them to sit for 20 – 30 minutes until the chiles are soft.
Transfer the chiles and some of the liquid to a blender.
Start blending on low speed and gradually increase it.
Add the remaining sauce ingredients and blend thoroughly.
Pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables in the cooking pot, bring it to a low boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until everything is tender.
This may take several hours to all day.
Serve with flour tortillas or sourdough bread.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the beef with tofu or seitan.
You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the stew for extra texture and flavor.
For a spicier version, you can add more chiles or hot sauce to the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to toast the dried chiles and cumin seed before adding them to the sauce. This will enhance their flavors and aromas.

- For a richer flavor, you can sear the beef before adding it to the cooking pot.

- Adjust the amount of chile powder and salt to suit your taste preferences.

- For a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chile Mango Beef Stew with warm flour tortillas or crusty sourdough bread for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also top it with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include sautéing, browning, toasting, blending, and simmering. These techniques help to develop the flavors of the ingredients and create a rich and flavorful stew.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find dried chiles, you can use chili powder or canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce as a substitute. You can also use fresh mango instead of diced mangos for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and marinate the beef in advance to save time on the day of cooking. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chile Mango Beef Stew in a large bowl garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and a lime wedge for a colorful and appetizing presentation. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chile Mango Beef Stew pairs well with a light and refreshing salad, such as a cucumber and tomato salad, to balance out the richness of the stew. You can also serve it with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chile Mango Beef Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months for future meals.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Chile Mango Beef Stew is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but please check the ingredients for any specific allergens that may affect you.

Summary

Chile Mango Beef Stew is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Chile Mango Beef Stew is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the sweetness of mango with the spiciness of chiles for a unique and delicious flavor profile. This stew is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with its bold and exotic flavors. Enjoy this hearty and nutritious dish with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was enveloped by the delicious aroma of spices and herbs wafting through the air.

Maria was busy chopping up fresh mangoes and dicing up juicy red chilies, her hands moving deftly and effortlessly. I was mesmerized by the way she seemed to know exactly what she was doing, as if the recipe was ingrained in her very soul.

Curious, I asked her what she was making, and she smiled mischievously before revealing the secret behind her tantalizing creation: Chile Mango Beef Stew.

The name alone was enough to pique my interest. I had never heard of such a combination before, but something about it called out to me. Maria could see the curiosity in my eyes, and without hesitation, she invited me to stay and learn how to make it.

And so, my journey into the world of Chile Mango Beef Stew began. Maria guided me through the process, explaining each step with patience and care. She showed me how to brown the beef until it was golden and crispy, how to sauté the onions and garlic until they were fragrant and translucent, and how to add just the right amount of spices to create a symphony of flavors.

As the stew simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its mouthwatering scent, Maria shared with me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her grandmother, who in turn had learned it from her own mother. It was a family tradition, passed down through the generations like a precious heirloom.

The key, Maria explained, was to balance the sweetness of the mangoes with the heat of the chilies, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that danced on the palate. It was a delicate art, she said, one that required patience, practice, and a touch of intuition.

And so, I watched and learned, absorbing every detail like a sponge. I marveled at the way Maria handled the ingredients with such care and precision, her hands moving with a grace and confidence that only comes from years of experience.

Finally, the stew was ready, the beef tender and succulent, the mangoes soft and luscious, the chilies adding a fiery kick that lingered on the tongue. Maria ladled it into bowls, garnishing each one with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors and sensations unlike anything I had ever experienced before. The sweetness of the mangoes mingled with the richness of the beef, the heat of the chilies adding a spicy edge that made my taste buds sing with delight.

From that moment on, Chile Mango Beef Stew became a staple in my own culinary repertoire. I made it for my family and friends, sharing with them the story of Maria and her grandmother, passing on the tradition with each delicious spoonful.

And so it was that I learned the recipe for Chile Mango Beef Stew, not from a cookbook or a cooking show, but from a dear friend whose love and passion for food had been passed down through the generations. It was a gift that I cherished, a connection to the past that I carried with me into the future, a reminder that the best recipes are not just about ingredients and techniques, but about love, tradition, and the stories that bind us together.