Sofrito-Infused Puerto Rican Beef Stew
Delight in the rich flavors of Sofrito-Infused Puerto Rican Beef Stew, a hearty dish that beautifully combines tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and traditional seasonings. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting family meal, this stew simmers low and slow, allowing the ingredients to meld together, producing a savory and satisfying dish. Enhance your dining experience with this authentic recipe that showcases the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine, featuring sofrito sauce and spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Serve it over rice or with crusty bread for a complete meal that celebrates the warmth of home cooking.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
stewing beef
2 lbs (cut into cubes)
flour
1/4 cup (for coating)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
olive oil
as needed (for frying)
sugar
1/2 tablespoon (for caramelizing)
sofrito sauce
2 tablespoons (prepared)
water
2 cups (for braising)
adobo seasoning
1/2 tablespoon (to taste)
sazon goya (con achiote)
1 (1/4 ounce) envelope (for seasoning)
soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon (for depth of flavor)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tablespoon (for complexity)
potatoes
4 medium (cut into large chunks)
baby carrots
1 lb (whole)
manzanilla olives
8 (pitted)
tomato sauce
1/2 cup (for richness)
red wine
1/4 cup (of your choice)
Instructions
1
Begin by mixing the flour, salt, and pepper in a large resealable freezer bag.
2
Add the stewing beef to the bag and shake until the meat is evenly coated with the flour mixture.
3
Heat enough olive oil to coat the bottom of a large skillet over medium-low heat.
4
Add the sugar to the skillet and wait for it to caramelize, turning a light golden brown.
5
Once the sugar is caramelized, add the coated beef to the skillet and brown it on all sides.
6
Remove the browned beef from the skillet and transfer it to the bottom of a slow cooker.
7
In the same skillet, add the sofrito sauce and cook briefly to release its flavors.
8
Pour the remaining ingredients into the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well combined.
9
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, allowing the stew to thicken and the flavors to intensify.
10
Once finished, serve hot, paired with rice or your choice of bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sofrito-Infused Puerto Rican Beef Stew?
It is a hearty dish that combines tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and traditional seasonings like sofrito sauce to showcase the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of beef is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of stewing beef, cut into cubes.
How should the beef be prepared before browning?
The beef should be shaken in a bag with 1/4 cup of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper until evenly coated.
What is the purpose of the sugar in the skillet?
The 1/2 tablespoon of sugar is caramelized in the oil until it turns light golden brown to help brown the beef and add flavor.
How long should the stew cook on the low setting?
In a slow cooker, the stew should cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
How long should the stew cook on the high setting?
In a slow cooker, the stew should cook on high for 4 to 6 hours.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The primary seasonings include adobo seasoning, Sazon Goya with achiote, salt, and pepper.
Is sofrito sauce necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of prepared sofrito sauce are used to provide the signature Puerto Rican flavor.
What vegetables are included in the stew?
The recipe includes 4 medium potatoes cut into large chunks and 1 lb of whole baby carrots.
Are there olives in this recipe?
Yes, the stew includes 8 pitted manzanilla olives.
What liquids are used for the braising base?
The base is made from 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, and 1/4 cup of red wine.
Why is soy sauce included in a Puerto Rican stew?
1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce is added to provide a deeper depth of flavor.
What does Worcestershire sauce add to the dish?
1/2 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce is used to add complexity to the flavor profile.
What type of Sazon Goya is used?
The recipe specifies one 1/4 ounce envelope of Sazon Goya (con achiote).
What should I serve with this beef stew?
It is recommended to serve the stew hot over rice or with crusty bread.
Do I need to cook the sofrito before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, the instructions suggest cooking the sofrito briefly in the skillet after browning the beef to release its flavors.
Is this recipe considered Carne Guisada?
Yes, 'carne guisada' is a traditional name associated with this style of Puerto Rican beef stew.
What oil should I use for frying?
Olive oil is recommended to coat the bottom of the skillet for browning the meat.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of tomato sauce for richness.
Does the recipe require specific wine?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of the red wine of your choice.
Are the baby carrots cut or whole?
The baby carrots are kept whole.
How are the potatoes prepared?
The 4 medium potatoes should be cut into large chunks.
Is this a slow cooker recipe?
Yes, the instructions are specifically designed for a slow cooker to allow flavors to intensify.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is mixing flour, salt, and pepper in a large resealable freezer bag.
How much adobo seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of adobo seasoning.
What happens to the flour coating during cooking?
The flour coating helps the stew thicken as it simmers in the slow cooker.
Is the sugar added to the meat or the pan?
The sugar is added directly to the skillet with oil to caramelize before the beef is added.
Can I cook this faster than 4 hours?
The minimum recommended time is 4-6 hours on high heat to ensure the beef is tender.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The primary tags include carne guisada, puerto rican stew, and slow cooker recipe.