Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carne Guisada?
Carne Guisada is an authentic Puerto Rican beef stew simmered with potatoes, carrots, and traditional Caribbean spices.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for browning the meat.
How many potatoes are included?
The stew includes 3 medium potatoes that are quartered.
What is the purpose of Sazon Goya?
One packet of Sazon Goya con culantro y achiote is used to add flavor and color to the stew.
How much adobo seasoning is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of adobo seasoning primarily to season the meat.
Are carrots a mandatory ingredient?
No, the 2-3 sliced carrots are listed as an optional ingredient.
How many olives are added to the stew?
The recipe calls for 6 pitted and halved manzanilla olives.
What role do capers play in this stew?
One teaspoon of capers (alcaparrado) is added to provide a tangy flavor profile.
How much sofrito sauce should be used?
Use 1 large cooking spoon of sofrito sauce as the flavor base.
How much tomato sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe requires one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
What amount of oregano and cumin is added?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How many bay leaves are used?
Two bay leaves are included for aromatic flavor.
Does this beef stew include corn?
Yes, the recipe adds 4 small ears of corn (Niblets) for sweetness and texture.
How much water is needed for simmering?
You will need 3 cups of water to create the broth.
How long should I brown the meat?
The seasoned meat should be browned on all sides for about 5 minutes.
How long does the beef simmer initially?
After adding water, the beef should simmer covered for 1 hour until tender.
How long is the final cooking stage?
Once vegetables and sauces are added, the pot is covered and cooked for an additional 30 minutes.
What are the total calories per serving?
There are approximately 133 calories per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 5g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 13g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this stew provide?
Each serving provides 10g of protein.
What is the fiber content per serving?
This recipe contains 2g of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in the dish?
There is 1g of sugar per serving.
What should I serve with Puerto Rican Beef Stew?
It is best served hot alongside rice or with warm, crusty bread.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, you can add salt and pepper to taste when combining the final ingredients.
What is the heat setting for the initial browning?
The meat should be browned over medium-high heat.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
Yes, the pot should be covered during both the 1-hour beef simmer and the final 30-minute vegetable cook.
How do I know when the stew is finished?
The stew is ready when the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.