Steak and beans

Steak and Beans Recipe from Guinea with Onions, Garlic, Tomato, Cayenne, and Oregano

Region / culture: Guinea | Servings: 4

Introduction

Steak and beans is a hearty and delicious dish that combines tender steak with flavorful beans in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends and family.

History

Steak and beans is a classic comfort food dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of tender steak and hearty beans has long been a popular choice for home cooks looking for a satisfying and filling meal.

Ingredients

1 kg stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
2 onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp oil
1 large can beans (any kind)
1 medium can tomato paste
2 tsp cayenne
0.5 tsp oregano

How to prepare

If using stew meat, cook it until tender.
Next, brown the meat, onions, and garlic in hot oil.
Add the remaining ingredients and stir well.
If the mixture is too thick, add water.
Simmer for 20 minutes.
Serve warm.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for extra heat.
Use different types of beans such as black beans or kidney beans for variety.
Top with shredded cheese or sour cream for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the meat before adding the onions and garlic to develop rich flavor.

- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste preference for a spicier or milder dish.

- If the mixture is too thick, simply add water to reach your desired consistency.

- Serve the steak and beans warm for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the steak and beans over rice or with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat before adding the onions and garlic helps to develop flavor.

- Simmering the mixture allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious final dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground beef or turkey instead of stew meat for a quicker cooking time.

- Substitute vegetable broth for water for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The steak and beans can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the steak and beans in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the steak and beans with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for a perfect match. A side of garlic bread or cornbread complements the dish nicely.

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

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: None

Summary

Steak and beans is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, iron, and vitamin C. It is a satisfying and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Steak and beans is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender steak with flavorful beans in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends and family. Enjoy this hearty meal with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the kind where the sun kisses your skin and the birds chirp joyfully in the trees. I had just finished shopping at the local farmer's market, where I picked up some fresh vegetables and a beautiful cut of steak. As I unloaded my groceries onto the kitchen counter, my eyes fell upon a faded recipe card tucked away in the back of my recipe box.

Curious, I pulled it out and read the elegant handwriting scrawled across the yellowed paper. "Steak and Beans," it read. The ingredients were simple: steak, beans, onions, garlic, and a few spices. The instructions were straightforward, yet there was something about the way they were written that intrigued me. It was as if the person who had written them had poured their heart and soul into the recipe, infusing it with love and passion.

I knew right then and there that I had to make this dish. It called to me in a way that no other recipe had before. I could almost taste the savory steak, perfectly seared and juicy, paired with the tender beans and aromatic onions and garlic. I could imagine the flavors dancing on my tongue, a symphony of tastes and textures that promised to delight my senses.

So, without hesitation, I set to work. I seasoned the steak with salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika, then seared it in a hot skillet until it was golden brown and deliciously caramelized. In another pan, I sautéed the onions and garlic until they were soft and fragrant, then added the beans and let them simmer gently until they were tender and flavorful.

As I cooked, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building within me. It was as if I were on the brink of a culinary adventure, a journey into the heart of flavor and tradition. I could almost hear the voices of the generations who had come before me, whispering their secrets and wisdom as I stirred and tasted and adjusted the seasonings.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it with care, arranging the steak and beans in a beautiful pattern on a simple white plate. I garnished it with a sprig of fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, then stood back to admire my handiwork.

And then, I took a bite.

The flavors exploded in my mouth, a symphony of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that danced across my taste buds in perfect harmony. The steak was tender and juicy, the beans rich and creamy, the onions and garlic caramelized to perfection. It was a dish that spoke to me on a deep and profound level, touching something primal and ancient within my soul.

As I savored each mouthful, I felt a sense of connection to the past and the present, to the people and places that had shaped me and my love of cooking. I realized that this recipe was more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions – it was a story, a living testament to the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our hearts and minds as well.

And so, as I finished my meal, I made a vow to myself to cherish this recipe and pass it on to future generations. I knew that it would become a part of my family's culinary heritage, a touchstone that would connect us across time and space, binding us together in a shared love of good food and good company.

And as I licked my lips and sighed contentedly, I whispered a silent thank you to the mysterious stranger who had penned those words so long ago. Wherever they were now, I hoped that they knew that their recipe had found a new home, a new family to nourish and delight for generations to come. And as I washed the dishes and tidied up the kitchen, I knew that I had found something truly precious that day – a recipe for love and connection, passed down through the ages and now, in my hands, ready to be shared with the world.