Carne Guisada Recipe Puerto Rican: Abuela’s Secret Revealed!

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, simmered in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce bursting with the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico. That’s Carne Guisada, a classic comfort food dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and abuela’s loving embrace. This isn’t just a stew; it’s a culinary journey to the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Carne Guisada, passed down through generations, and simplifies it for the modern home cook. Get ready to experience a taste of Puerto Rico that will warm your soul and leave you craving more!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients into a pot. It’s about understanding the nuances of Puerto Rican flavors and techniques. Here’s why it works:

• Sofrito Base: The foundation of any great Puerto Rican dish is sofrito, a blend of aromatic vegetables and herbs that infuses the entire dish with incredible depth. We’ll use a generous amount of homemade or store-bought sofrito for maximum flavor.
• Adobo Seasoning: Adobo, a quintessential Puerto Rican seasoning blend, provides a perfect balance of garlic, oregano, and other spices that complement the beef beautifully.
• Slow Simmering: Patience is key! Allowing the beef to simmer slowly in the sauce ensures that it becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• Potato and Carrot: The addition of potatoes and carrots not only adds substance to the stew but also contributes a subtle sweetness and creamy texture that balances the savory flavors.
• Olives and Capers: These briny additions provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the beef and add a layer of complexity to the overall flavor profile.

Ingredients

• Beef Stew Meat: 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes (chuck roast or round steak work well)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Sofrito: 1/2 cup (homemade or store-bought)
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (8 ounce) can
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Beef Broth: 4 cups
• Adobo Seasoning: 2 tablespoons
• Sazón with Annatto: 1 packet
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Bay Leaf: 1
• Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and cubed
• Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and sliced
• Pitted Green Olives: 1/4 cup, sliced
• Capers: 1 tablespoon
• Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef: Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Sofrito: Add the sofrito to the pot and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until fragrant and softened. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
3. Add Tomato Products and Broth: Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Season the Sauce: Add the adobo seasoning, sazón with annatto, dried oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. Return the Beef to the Pot: Add the seared beef back to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Simmer the Stew: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Add Vegetables: Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
8. Add Olives and Capers: Stir in the sliced olives and capers during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
9. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with white rice, tostones (fried plantains), or mofongo (mashed plantains).

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the beef is crucial for developing a rich, flavorful crust that adds depth to the stew.
• Use Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the final product will be. Use fresh sofrito if possible, and opt for good-quality beef broth.
• Control the Heat: Simmering over low heat is essential for tenderizing the beef and allowing the flavors to meld together. Avoid boiling the stew, as this can toughen the meat.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the stew is too thick, add a little more beef broth. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Make it Your Own: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Some people like to add a splash of red wine vinegar for extra tang, while others prefer to use different vegetables.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Carne Guisada can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze Carne Guisada for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sear the beef as instructed, then transfer all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the potatoes and carrots during the last 2 hours of cooking.

Q: Can I use different cuts of beef?

A: While chuck roast and round steak are commonly used, you can also use other cuts of beef that are suitable for stewing, such as brisket or short ribs. Keep in mind that different cuts may require different cooking times.

Q: Where can I find sazón with annatto?

A: Sazón with annatto is a common spice blend that can be found in the Latin American section of most grocery stores. You can also find it online.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: While Carne Guisada is traditionally made with beef, you can adapt the recipe to be vegetarian by using hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and butternut squash in place of the beef. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Conclusion

Carne Guisada is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of Puerto Rican culture and a celebration of family traditions. With its tender beef, flavorful sauce, and comforting vegetables, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, put on some salsa music, and get ready to experience the magic of Abuela’s Carne Guisada! Enjoy!