Indio Viejo

Indio Viejo Recipe: Vegetarian Nicaraguan Delight

Region / culture: Nicaragua | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Indio Viejo is a traditional Nicaraguan dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. This dish is made with tender meat, vegetables, and a delicious dough mixture that is wrapped in a tortilla. It is a dish that is loved by many for its rich flavors and satisfying taste.

History

Indio Viejo has its roots in Nicaraguan cuisine and has been enjoyed by generations of families. The dish is believed to have originated from the indigenous people of Nicaragua, who used simple ingredients like beans, meat, and vegetables to create a filling and nutritious meal. Over time, the recipe has evolved and been passed down through families, with each cook adding their own twist to the dish.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of red or black beans
1 large onion
1 large bell pepper
1 small handful of green onions
1 stick of margarine
2 tomatoes
1.5 cups of buttermilk or sour cream
1 dozen eggs
salt, pepper, garlic, and vinegar

How to prepare

Place the meat in cold water and start cooking it with onion, a green pepper, half a head of garlic, a teaspoon of salt, and a teaspoon of whole peppercorns until the meat becomes tender and well-flavored.
Remove the meat from the pot and slice it into thin strips.
While the meat is cooking, mash and mix the tortilla dough with the cheese. Take 4 oz (113 g) of the dough and shape it into a tortilla (if you don't know how to make the dough, you can purchase tortillas from the market).
Combine the remaining dough with paprika, 0.5 tsp of pepper, 2 cups of the cooking liquid from the meat, and two well-beaten eggs.
Melt butter or oil in a pan, then add sliced onion and green pepper. Cook until they are softened. Add the meat and cook for an additional five minutes. Stir in the egg and dough mixture.
Allow the mixture to cook over low heat for some time, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Season with allspice, salt, and orange juice. If the mixture appears dry, add some of the water from the original meat cooking.
Take the meat and dough mixture and wrap it in the tortilla. Cut the entire roll into individual serving sizes.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat and add extra vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and corn.
You can also add a spicy kick to the dish by adding some chili peppers or hot sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the meat until it is tender and well-flavored to ensure that it is juicy and delicious.

- When making the tortilla dough, be sure to mix it well with the cheese to create a flavorful base for the dish.

- When wrapping the meat and dough mixture in the tortilla, be sure to cut the roll into individual serving sizes for easy serving.

Serving Suggestions

Indio Viejo is traditionally served with a side of rice and a salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the meat until it is tender and well-flavored to ensure that it is juicy and delicious.

- When making the tortilla dough, be sure to mix it well with the cheese to create a flavorful base for the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have access to red or black beans, you can use pinto beans as a substitute.

- If you don't have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat and dough mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and cook the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Indio Viejo on a platter with a side of rice and a garnish of fresh cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Indio Viejo pairs well with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Indio Viejo contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Indio Viejo is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the use of tortilla dough and beans. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is moderate in fats, with each serving containing approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Indio Viejo is a protein-rich dish, with each serving containing approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This dish contains dairy (cheese and sour cream) and eggs.

Summary

Indio Viejo is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Indio Viejo is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a hot summer day in Nicaragua, the air thick with the scent of tropical fruits and spices. I was wandering through the bustling mercado, browsing the colorful stalls filled with fresh produce and handmade crafts.

As I passed by a small corner shop, an elderly woman caught my eye. She was hunched over a large cauldron, stirring a fragrant stew with a wooden spoon. The rich aroma of spices and meat filled the air, making my mouth water.

Intrigued, I approached the woman and asked her what she was cooking. She smiled warmly and told me it was a traditional Nicaraguan dish called Indio Viejo. She explained that it was a hearty stew made with shredded beef, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and a blend of spices. I was immediately captivated by the thought of tasting this flavorful dish.

I asked the woman if she would be willing to share her recipe with me, and to my surprise, she agreed. She pulled out a worn notebook from the pocket of her apron and began to dictate the ingredients and instructions to me. I eagerly scribbled down every word, determined to recreate this delicious dish in my own kitchen.

Back at home, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work. I marinated the beef in a blend of spices and citrus juices, then simmered it with tomatoes, onions, and peppers until it was tender and flavorful. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, transporting me back to that bustling mercado in Nicaragua.

As I took my first bite of the Indio Viejo, I was overwhelmed by a wave of nostalgia. The flavors were so familiar, yet so new and exciting. I couldn't believe that I had managed to recreate the dish so perfectly, thanks to the generosity of that kind woman in the mercado.

From that day on, Indio Viejo became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tasted it. It was a dish that brought people together, evoking memories of sunny days in Nicaragua and the warmth of family and community.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. But the essence of the dish remains the same - a comforting and flavorful stew that never fails to delight.

As I grow older, I find myself passing down the recipe for Indio Viejo to my own grandchildren, just as it was passed down to me. I hope that they will cherish this dish as much as I do, and that it will become a part of their own culinary traditions.

In the end, it is not just a recipe for Indio Viejo that I have acquired, but a piece of my heritage and a connection to the past. And for that, I am forever grateful to that kind woman in the mercado who shared her wisdom and her love of cooking with me.