Columbian Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

Columbian Beef and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe | Origin: Colombia

Region / culture: Colombia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 8 hours and 15 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

This hearty and flavorful Columbian Beef and Sweet Potato Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender beef, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices creates a dish that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Colombian cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients. Stews are a popular dish in Colombian cooking, as they are a great way to bring together different ingredients and create a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of cut-up stew meat
0.5 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of pepper
1.5 tsp of olive oil or vegetable oil
3 cups of peeled sweet potatoes
2 tsp of finely chopped garlic
1 dry bay leaf
1 cinnamon stick
1 large onion, cut into eighths
1 can of Italian-style tomatoes, with juices
8 dried apricots, cut in half
chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Remove excess fat from the beef.
Cut the beef into pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cook the beef in oil for about 5 minutes, stirring.
Mix the beef and the remaining ingredients except for apricots and parsley.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Stir in the apricots.
Cover and cook for about 15 minutes.
Discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick.
Sprinkle the stew with parsley.

Variations

Add a can of diced tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Substitute the sweet potatoes with butternut squash for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove any excess fat from the beef before cooking to ensure that the stew is not greasy.

- Browning the beef before adding it to the stew will help to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Cooking the stew on low heat for a long period of time will allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stew with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.

- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the stew on low heat allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use beef broth instead of Italian-style juices for a richer flavor.

- Swap out the dried apricots for dried figs or prunes.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving for an easy weeknight meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stew in individual bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this stew with a glass of red wine, such as a Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the stew in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Each serving of this stew contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

- Sweet potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day.

- Each serving of this stew contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

- The vegetable oil used in this recipe adds a small amount of healthy fats to the dish.

- Each serving of this stew contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

- The stew meat in this recipe is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.

- Each serving of this stew contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

- Apricots are a good source of vitamin E and dietary fiber.

- Each serving of this stew provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

This Columbian Beef and Sweet Potato Stew is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This Columbian Beef and Sweet Potato Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its tender beef, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices, this stew is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished in my heart. It was a warm summer day, the sun was shining brightly, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in Colombia. Maria was an amazing cook, and she always had the most delicious recipes up her sleeve.

On that particular day, Maria invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare a traditional Colombian Beef and Sweet Potato Stew. I watched in awe as she effortlessly chopped vegetables, seasoned the meat, and simmered all the ingredients together in a large pot. The aroma that filled her kitchen was absolutely heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the final dish.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Maria shared with me the story behind the recipe. She explained that this stew was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations. It was a dish that brought her family together around the dinner table, creating lasting memories and moments of joy.

I was so inspired by Maria's passion for cooking and her dedication to preserving her family's culinary traditions. I knew that I had to learn how to make this delicious stew for myself. Maria graciously shared the recipe with me, and I made sure to write down every detail so that I could recreate it in my own kitchen back home.

When I returned to my own kitchen, I gathered all the ingredients I needed to make the Colombian Beef and Sweet Potato Stew. I could still remember the steps and techniques that Maria had shown me, and I felt confident as I began to cook. The familiar smells of garlic, onions, and cumin filled the air, transporting me back to Maria's kitchen in Colombia.

As the stew simmered on the stove, I couldn't help but think about the special bond that food creates between friends and family. Each time I make this recipe, I am reminded of the wonderful memories I shared with Maria and the joy of discovering new flavors and techniques.

Now, whenever I cook this Colombian Beef and Sweet Potato Stew, I feel a sense of connection to Maria and her family. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a talented cook and to carry on the tradition of this delicious dish. It has become a staple in my own recipe collection, and I love sharing it with my loved ones whenever I can.

In the end, it is not just the taste of the stew that makes it special, but the stories and memories that come along with it. Cooking is so much more than just following a recipe - it is about creating moments of joy, connection, and love around the dinner table. And for that, I am forever grateful to my dear friend Maria and the Colombian Beef and Sweet Potato Stew that brought us together.