Frequently Asked Questions
What is Braised Beef Tongue in Rich Tomato Sauce?
It is a tender, savory dish where beef tongue is slow-cooked until tender and then simmered in a rich sauce made from tomatoes, herbs, and roasted Anaheim chilies.
How long does it take to cook the beef tongue initially?
The beef tongues should be simmered in a pot of water for approximately 3 hours or until they are tender and no longer pink in the center.
How do I prepare the beef tongues before boiling?
You should thoroughly scrub the beef tongues under running water to remove any impurities before cooking.
What is added to the water when boiling the tongue?
A quartered onion is added to the boiling water to infuse the meat with extra flavor.
How do I remove the skin from the beef tongue?
Once the tongue is cooked and has cooled slightly but is still warm, you can easily peel off the outer skin and any gristle.
How should the beef tongue be sliced for the sauce?
After peeling, the meat should be sliced into pieces approximately 1/2-inch thick.
How do I prepare the Anaheim chili for this recipe?
Place the chili under a broiler for 3-5 minutes per side until the skin is charred, then remove the skin and seeds and chop the flesh.
What ingredients are used to start the sauce?
The sauce starts by sautรฉing finely chopped onion until translucent, followed by crushed garlic.
How long should the garlic be sautรฉed?
Sautรฉ the crushed garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
What tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 20 ounces of canned diced tomatoes along with their juices.
What herbs are used to flavor the tomato sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with one teaspoon of dried oregano and one teaspoon of dried thyme.
How long does the tomato mixture simmer before adding the meat?
The tomato, herb, and chili mixture should simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
When is the tomato paste added to the recipe?
The tomato paste is stirred in after the initial 15-minute simmer of the tomato and herb mixture.
What role do green olives play in this dish?
Finely chopped green olives are added to provide a salty and tangy depth of flavor to the sauce.
How long does the sliced tongue simmer in the sauce?
The sliced meat should simmer in the prepared sauce for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
Should the dish rest before serving?
Yes, let the dish rest for a few minutes after removing it from the heat before serving.
What are the best serving suggestions for this beef tongue?
It is best served over creamy polenta or with crusty bread to help soak up the rich tomato sauce.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 180 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this beef tongue recipe?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this dish contain dietary fiber?
Yes, there is approximately 1.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What amount of beef tongue is required?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of beef tongues.
How many garlic cloves are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 3 crushed garlic cloves.
How much tomato paste is used?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of tomato paste.
How many onions are needed in total?
Two onions are used: one quartered for boiling the meat and one finely chopped for the sauce.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is a hearty dinner option.
What type of cuisine does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is inspired by Mexican cuisine and features traditional flavors like Anaheim chilies and oregano.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
The recipe specifies dried oregano, but you could use fresh if you adjust the quantity to your taste.
Is beef tongue considered an organ meat?
Yes, beef tongue is categorized as organ meat and is known for its tender, steak-like texture when braised.