Carne con papas cubana auténtica (estofado de ternera)

Ingredientes

• 1/4 cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, etc)
• 2 lbs beef chuck stew meat (cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 1 large green pepper (diced)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup dry cooking wine (vino seco)
• 2 cups water (plus more as needed)
• 1 cube beef bouillon
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon complete seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt + pepper to taste
• 3 large Russet potatoes (peeled and quartered)

Preparación

1. 1

   In a Dutch oven*, heat 2 tablespoons of oil at medium-high heat. Brown the cubed beef on all sides for about 5 minutes. Set aside.

2. 2

   Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil into the Dutch oven then sauté the green peppers and onions until tender about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Stir in the cooking wine. Deglaze the pot, scrapping the bottom of the pot with wooden spoon getting all those delicious bits of flavor. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the wine has slightly reduced.

4. 4

   Add in the water, beef bouillon cube (I like to crush it with my fingers before adding it), tomato sauce, complete seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil.

5. 5

   Add the meat back in. Reduce heat to LOW and cover with a lid. Simmer for 1 hour or until the meat is tender. Check every so often to see if the stew is drying out. If yes, gently stir in 1/2 cup of water or more as needed.

6. 6

   If the beef is still tough after 1 hour, cook for another hour until the meat is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened. Again, make sure to add water as needed so the meat does not dry out. Depending on the quality of the meat or the heat of your stove (not all stoves are created equal), the meat may need more or less time until it is completely fork-tender. Use your best judgment here!

7. 7

   Once the meat is tender, add in the potatoes. Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

8. 8

   Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately over white rice. Enjoy!