Saisi

Saisi Recipe from Bolivia: Green Pea and Tomato Stew with Cumin and Oregano

Region / culture: Bolivia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Saisi is a traditional Bolivian dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. This dish features tender beef, green peas, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Saisi has been a staple in Bolivian cuisine for generations. It is a dish that is often enjoyed during special occasions and family gatherings. The combination of ingredients in Saisi reflects the rich culinary history of Bolivia, with influences from indigenous Andean flavors and Spanish colonial cooking techniques.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) beef (hip)
0.5 cup oil
1 cup green peas, peeled
2 cups white onion, finely chopped
1 cup tomato, peeled and finely chopped
0.5 cup ground spicy red pepper
0.5 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp oregano, crumbled
0.5 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
1 spoonful salt
3 cups broth or cold water

How to prepare

Cut the meat into small pieces.
In a casserole, combine the meat with all the other ingredients, including the broth or water.
Set the heat to high and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least an hour or until everything is well cooked. If the preparation becomes dry, add more broth or hot water. It should have a juicy consistency.
Serve in a deep plate with a cooked potato, steamed rice or chuńo phuti, and uncooked sauce. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
For a unique twist in flavor, you can substitute water with beer. This will provide an intense and unexpected taste.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of Saisi, you can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh.
Add additional vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of the dish to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the beef into small pieces to ensure that it cooks evenly and becomes tender.

- Adjust the amount of spicy red pepper to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less depending on how spicy you like your food.

- If the preparation becomes dry while cooking, simply add more broth or hot water to maintain a juicy consistency.

- For a unique twist in flavor, try substituting water with beer for a rich and unexpected taste.

Serving Suggestions

Saisi is traditionally served with a cooked potato, steamed rice, or chuńo phuti. You can also enjoy it with a side of fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Saisi is a simple dish that is cooked in a casserole on the stovetop. The key is to simmer the ingredients together slowly to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the ingredients on hand, you can easily make substitutions in Saisi. For example, you can use chicken or pork instead of beef, or swap out the green peas for another type of vegetable.

Make Ahead Tips

Saisi can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the dish on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

To make Saisi look more appealing, you can garnish it with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it in a deep plate or bowl for a cozy and comforting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Saisi pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. You can also enjoy it with a refreshing glass of chicha morada, a traditional Bolivian drink made from purple corn.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Saisi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Saisi contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Saisi is a balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates from the green peas, onions, and tomatoes. Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy to fuel your body throughout the day.

Fats

The oil used in Saisi adds a small amount of fat to the dish. While fats are important for overall health, it is best to consume them in moderation.

Proteins

The beef in Saisi is a rich source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Protein also helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Saisi contains a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and spices used in the dish. These nutrients are important for supporting overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Saisi contains beef, which may be an allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Saisi is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Summary

Saisi is a delicious and comforting Bolivian dish that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. With its tender beef, green peas, and flavorful spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty textures of Saisi for a satisfying meal that will warm your soul.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We lived in a small village in Italy, where the scent of fresh herbs and vegetables filled the air, and the sound of laughter and chatter could be heard from every corner.

One day, while exploring the dusty shelves of my mother's old cookbook collection, I stumbled upon a faded, tattered recipe for Saisi. It was written in beautiful cursive handwriting, with splatters of tomato sauce and olive oil staining the paper. Intrigued by the exotic name, I asked my mother about it.

She smiled and told me that Saisi was a traditional Italian dish that had been passed down through generations in our family. It was a simple yet delicious recipe, made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a touch of love. My mother had learned how to make it from her own mother, who had learned it from hers, and so on.

Eager to try my hand at making this mysterious dish, I asked my mother to teach me the recipe. She agreed, and together we set to work in the cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of home. My mother showed me how to dice the tomatoes, mince the garlic, and chiffonade the basil. She taught me the importance of seasoning each layer of the dish with salt and pepper, and the secret of simmering it slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

As we cooked, my mother shared stories of her own childhood, of lazy summers spent picking ripe tomatoes from the garden and of family gatherings centered around a steaming pot of Saisi. I listened intently, absorbing the wisdom of generations past and feeling a deep connection to my roots.

Finally, after several hours of cooking and stirring, the Saisi was ready. The kitchen was filled with the rich aromas of garlic and basil, and my mouth watered at the sight of the bubbling sauce. My mother ladled the Saisi into bowls and sprinkled it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

I took a tentative bite, savoring the flavors that danced on my tongue. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before - a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of tanginess from the tomatoes. I closed my eyes and let out a contented sigh, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me.

From that day on, Saisi became a staple in our household, a dish that we would make for special occasions and family gatherings. It became a symbol of love and tradition, a reminder of the bond between mothers and daughters and the importance of passing down recipes from one generation to the next.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home, I can't help but feel grateful for that moment of discovery so many years ago. The recipe for Saisi may have come from a dusty old cookbook, but the memories and traditions that it represents are as fresh and vibrant as the day I first learned to make it. And for that, I will always be thankful. Buon appetito!