Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Chipotle-Infused Beef Stew?
It is a hearty, comforting stew made with boneless chuck roast, smoky chipotle chiles, and hominy, creating a rich and savory broth.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What are the main flavor profiles of this stew?
The stew features robust, smoky, and spicy flavors from the chipotle chiles and ground cumin.
How many calories are in a serving of this stew?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20g of fat in each serving.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
Each serving provides 22.5g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 17.5g of carbohydrates.
What is hominy?
Hominy is maize kernels that have been treated with an alkali, giving the stew a unique texture and flavor.
Do I need to sear the beef?
Yes, you should sear the beef cubes in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown to enhance the flavor.
What type of tomato product is required?
The recipe uses one 14.5-ounce can of tomato puree.
Can I use water instead of beef stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 cup of beef stock or 1/2 cup of water.
How long is the initial simmering time for the beef?
The stew should simmer covered for about 1.5 hours before the hominy is added.
When should I add the hominy to the stew?
Add the rinsed and drained hominy after the stew has simmered for 1.5 hours, then cook for an additional 15 minutes.
How many garlic cloves are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves.
What type of onion is recommended?
One medium onion, coarsely chopped, is used in this stew.
How should I season the beef before cooking?
Season the chuck roast chunks generously with salt and fresh ground black pepper before searing.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick due to the inclusion of canned chipotle chiles and adobo sauce.
What are chipotle chiles?
Chipotle chiles are smoke-dried jalapeรฑos, which provide the signature smoky flavor of this dish.
How much adobo sauce is needed?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce from the canned chipotles.
What oil is best for searing the beef?
The recipe suggests using 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
The stew is best served in bowls complemented with warmed flour tortillas.
How do I prevent overcrowding when searing the beef?
Sear the beef cubes in batches rather than all at once to ensure they brown properly rather than steaming.
What should I do if the stew becomes too thick while simmering?
You can add additional beef stock or water as needed if the liquid reduces too much during the 1.5-hour simmer.
Is cumin used in this recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of ground cumin is added to the onion and garlic mixture for depth of flavor.
How long should the beef sit after seasoning?
Allow the seasoned beef to sit for about 10 minutes before you begin searing it.
Is this recipe inspired by Mexican cuisine?
Yes, the ingredients like chipotle, cumin, and hominy are characteristic of Mexican-inspired flavor profiles.
Is the beef used in this recipe boneless?
Yes, the recipe specifies using boneless chuck roast for easier eating.
Should the hominy be drained?
Yes, the canned hominy should be thoroughly rinsed and drained before being added to the stew.