Fricandó (Carne con hongos) - Fricandó (Meat with mushrooms)
Fricandó (Carne con hongos) Recipe from Uruguay | Ingredients
Introduction
Fricandó, also known as Carne con hongos, is a traditional Catalan dish that features tender meat cooked in a flavorful mushroom sauce. This dish is a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
History
Fricandó has been a popular dish in Catalonia for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally, fricandó was made with veal, but over time, other types of meat such as beef or pork have been used as well. The addition of mushrooms to the dish adds a rich and earthy flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Cut the meat into four pieces and coat them in flour. Brown the meat in oil and then remove it from the pan.
- Place the onion in the pot and sauté it lightly. Add the chopped tomatoes and the bread that has been soaked in vinegar. Pour in the vinegar and water (approximately 1 liter). Cover the pot and allow it to boil for 15 minutes.
- Once the sauce is ready, strain or blend it. Add the meat, mushrooms, and salt to the sauce. Let it cook until the meat is fully cooked.
Variations
- Use different types of meat such as pork or veal.
- Add red wine to the sauce for a richer flavor.
- Include additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to brown the meat before adding it to the sauce to enhance the flavor.
- Use a mix of different types of mushrooms for a more complex flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Fricandó is traditionally served with a side of rice or potatoes. You can also enjoy it with a crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Cooking Techniques
Browning the meat before adding it to the sauce helps to develop a deeper flavor.
- Simmering the dish slowly allows the meat to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use chicken or turkey as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Substitute balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
Fricandó can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve fricandó in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. You can also garnish it with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil.
Pairing Recommendations
Fricandó pairs well with a glass of red wine such as a Rioja or a Cabernet Sauvignon. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 350 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 25g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 12g per serving
Saturated Fat: 3g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 30g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Iron: 15% of daily value per serving
Vitamin C: 20% of daily value per serving
Alergens
Contains gluten
Summary
Fricandó is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, iron, and vitamin C. However, it is high in fat and carbohydrates, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
Summary
Fricandó is a classic Catalan dish that features tender meat cooked in a flavorful mushroom sauce. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious and comforting meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this dish with a side of rice or potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It all started many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. She was a wonderful cook, always creating delicious meals from scratch using simple yet flavorful ingredients. One day, she invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special dish she called Fricandó.
As we worked together, my mother shared with me the history of this traditional Catalan recipe. She explained that Fricandó is a slow-cooked beef stew that is rich in flavor and perfect for special occasions. The key to making a truly delicious Fricandó, she told me, was in the quality of the ingredients and the time and care put into preparing it.
As we chopped onions, minced garlic, and browned the beef, the kitchen filled with the mouth-watering aroma of simmering meat and spices. I watched as my mother added a splash of red wine, a sprinkling of herbs, and a handful of mushrooms to the pot, transforming the simple ingredients into a savory and fragrant stew.
As the Fricandó cooked low and slow on the stove, my mother shared with me the stories behind the recipe. She told me how she had learned to make Fricandó from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The recipe had been passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own unique touch to make it their own.
Over the years, I have made Fricandó many times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have experimented with different cuts of beef, tried various types of mushrooms, and even added a splash of brandy for an extra kick of flavor. But no matter how I choose to make it, the essence of the dish remains the same – a hearty and comforting stew that brings people together around the table.
One of my fondest memories of making Fricandó was when I shared the recipe with a dear friend who had never tried it before. She was amazed by the depth of flavor and the tenderness of the meat, and she begged me to teach her how to make it herself. We spent an entire afternoon in the kitchen, laughing and chatting as we chopped, stirred, and simmered the ingredients together. By the time the Fricandó was ready to serve, we were both proud of our creation and eager to share it with our families.
As the years have passed, I have continued to make Fricandó for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I prepare it, I am reminded of the joy and love that goes into cooking a delicious meal from scratch. I am grateful for the recipes and traditions that have been passed down to me, and I look forward to sharing them with future generations.
So next time you find yourself craving a hearty and comforting meal, why not give Fricandó a try? With a little time and care, you can create a dish that is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and warm their hearts with its delicious flavors. And who knows, perhaps one day you will pass the recipe down to your own children, creating new memories and traditions to cherish for years to come.