Colombian Sweet Potato and Beef Stew
Experience the vibrant flavors of Colombia with this rich and hearty Beef and Sweet Potato Stew. Infused with aromatic spices, tender beef, and sweet potatoes, this dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. The combination of dried apricots adds a delightful sweetness that complements the savory ingredients, making it a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added brightness!
N/A
Servings
60
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cut-up stew meat or boneless beef chuck roast
1 lb (Cut into 1-inch pieces)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Olive oil or vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons (For cooking)
Sweet potatoes
3 cups (Peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (squash can be used as a substitute))
Garlic
2 teaspoons (Finely chopped)
Dry bay leaf
1 (Whole)
Cinnamon stick
1 (Whole)
Large onion
1 (Cut into eighths)
Italian-style tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (With juices)
Dried apricots
8 (Cut in half)
Fresh parsley
To taste (Chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the beef. Cut the beef into uniform 1-inch pieces and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2
In a large 10-inch skillet, heat the olive or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned beef and sear it for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned on all sides.
3
Transfer the browned beef to a 4-5 quart crockpot. To the crockpot, add the sweet potatoes, garlic, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, onion, and the can of Italian-style tomatoes with their juices, mixing everything together well.
4
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked through.
5
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the halved dried apricots, allowing them to soften and absorb the flavors of the stew.
6
Once finished, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Serve the stew hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
1.67g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
4g
Protein
1g
Fiber
1.67g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colombian Sweet Potato and Beef Stew?
It is a rich and hearty dish featuring tender beef, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices, complemented by the sweetness of dried apricots.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
You should use cut-up stew meat or a boneless beef chuck roast cut into 1-inch pieces.
How should I prepare the beef before cooking?
Trim excess fat, cut it into uniform 1-inch pieces, and season it with salt and pepper.
Is it necessary to brown the beef?
Yes, searing the beef in a skillet for about 5 minutes until browned helps develop a deeper flavor for the stew.
What size crockpot is required?
A 4-5 quart crockpot is the ideal size for this recipe.
How long does the stew need to cook in the slow cooker?
The stew should be cooked on the low setting for 8 hours until the beef is tender.
Can I substitute sweet potatoes with something else?
Yes, squash can be used as a substitute for sweet potatoes in this recipe.
When do I add the dried apricots?
Stir in the halved dried apricots during the last 15 minutes of the cooking process.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, add the Italian-style tomatoes along with their juices to the crockpot.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be cut into eighths before being added to the crockpot.
What aromatics are used in this stew?
The recipe uses a dry bay leaf, a whole cinnamon stick, and finely chopped garlic for flavor.
Do I leave the cinnamon stick and bay leaf in when serving?
No, carefully remove and discard both the bay leaf and the cinnamon stick once cooking is complete.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the finished stew with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.
How many calories are in a serving?
The provided nutritional information indicates 60 calories per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
There is approximately 1.67g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this stew provide?
Each serving contains 4g of protein.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it contains 1g of fiber per serving.
What type of oil should I use for searing?
You can use either olive oil or vegetable oil.
Is this recipe considered a slow cooker meal?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be prepared in a crockpot or slow cooker.
How many dried apricots are needed?
The recipe calls for 8 dried apricots, cut in half.
What kind of tomatoes are best?
The recipe specifies a 28-ounce can of Italian-style tomatoes.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of finely chopped garlic.
Is this a good recipe for leftovers?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for enjoying as leftovers as the flavors continue to meld.
What gives the stew its sweetness?
The sweetness comes from both the sweet potatoes and the addition of dried apricots.
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of a stick?
The recipe calls for a whole stick for infusion, but a small pinch of ground cinnamon could work if a stick is unavailable.
Is this a traditional Colombian flavor profile?
Yes, it uses ingredients and spices common in Colombian-inspired beef stews.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, or adjust to your personal taste.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe requires 12 total ingredients.
Can I make this stew on a stovetop?
While designed for a crockpot, it could be simmered on low heat on a stovetop in a Dutch oven for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.