Unleash your culinary prowess with Carne Guisada – a classic Dominican recipe for a robust Beef Stew, bursting with the flavors of potatoes and carrots. Perfect for a lunchtime treat or a heartwarming dinner, this Dominican delight is sure to satiate your taste buds every single time.
The secret to its rich and savory taste is the Dominican Sazon Seasoning. A tantalizing blend of ground seasonings including cumin, coriander, annatto, and oregano, this seasoning is anything but spicy. Instead, its appeal lies in its gentle and palatable flavors that truly enhance the taste of this hearty stew.
Unraveling the Magic of Dominican Cuisine: Carne Guisada
Carne Guisada’s magic lies in its ability to capture the soulful essence of Dominican cuisine in every bite. Hearty and satisfying, it employs a blend of simple ingredients that are easily found in any kitchen. However, the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts, with the different elements coming together to create a symphony of flavors that is sure to delight your palate.
A Symphony of Flavor: Dominican Sazon Seasoning
One of the standout components of this recipe is the Dominican Sazon Seasoning. More than just a blend of spices, this seasoning is a marriage of flavors that together embody the heart of Dominican cuisine. The earthiness of cumin, the sweet undertones of coriander, the unique flavor of annatto, and the bold notes of oregano all intertwine to produce a seasoning blend that’s full of depth and complexity. Despite its robust profile, this seasoning is not overwhelmingly spicy, making it a great fit for those who enjoy a balanced and savory palate.
Preparation Tips: Making the Most of Your Ingredients
Getting the best out of your ingredients is paramount to achieving the perfect Carne Guisada. Start by picking the right cut of beef. Opt for chuck or shoulder cuts that are marbled with fat, as these lend themselves to slow cooking, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth chunks of meat. Fresh vegetables are key, so choose firm, bright red tomatoes and crisp, vibrant carrots. As for the Dominican Sazon Seasoning, ensure to store it in a dry place to preserve its flavor and extend its shelf life. Lastly, take your time during the cooking process. True to its nature, this stew needs time for the flavors to meld together and develop to their full potential.
Now, with these tips in mind, let’s delve into the recipe for Carne Guisada – a hearty, savory Dominican Beef Stew.
Carne Guisada – The Dominican Beef Stew
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Equipment
- 1 dutch oven or a Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
Dominican Sazon Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground annatto (or 1 ½ tsp EACH: turmeric and sweet paprika)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
For the Stew:
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 cup scallions chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 small tomatoes diced
- 2 tbsp cilantro minced
- ¼ tsp adobo
- 1½ lb beef stew meat cut into small chunks
- ⅓ cup beer
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ tsp Dominican Sazon Seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 oz baby red potatoes halved or quartered
- 5 oz carrots chopped
Instructions
Dominican Sazon Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground annatto, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp salt, 2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp ground black pepper
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in a dry place.
Stove Top Method:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium heat.2 tsp olive oil
- Add scallions and garlic, sauté for about 2 – 3 minutes.1 cup scallions, 3 cloves garlic
- Add tomatoes, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.2 small tomatoes, 2 tbsp cilantro
- Add beef to the pot along with beer, water, adobo, Dominican Sazon Seasoning, and bay leaf.¼ tsp adobo, 1½ lb beef stew meat, ⅓ cup beer, ⅓ cup water, ½ tsp Dominican Sazon Seasoning, 1 bay leaf
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 1/2 hours.
- Check if the beef is tender, if not, cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Add potatoes and carrots to the pot and cook until soft, about 20 minutes depending on the size.5 oz baby red potatoes, 5 oz carrots
Pressure Cooker Method:
- In a large pressure cooker, heat oil over medium heat. Add scallions and garlic, sauté for about 2 – 3 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and cilantro. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add beef, beer, water, adobo, Dominican Sazon Seasoning, bay leaf, and if needed, more salt.
- Cover pressure cooker; when the lid is locked, cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Quick release.
- Add the potatoes and carrots, cover and cook on high pressure for about 8 minutes, or until tender. Quick release and serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Complementary Dishes for Carne Guisada ~ Beef Stew
Now that we’ve successfully prepared a hearty main course of Carne Guisada, we must consider what else to serve to create a balanced, authentic Dominican meal. A well-rounded dining experience is not only about the main dish, but it also involves thoughtful pairings that elevate each component and leave a lasting impression. Dominican cuisine, rich in its flavors and diversity, provides numerous options for such pairings. These complementary dishes can range from appetizers to desserts, and of course, refreshing beverages. Speaking of beverages, one standout choice that pairs exceptionally well with the hearty Carne Guisada is the Delicia Dominicana Cocktail.
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