Spicy Goat Stew with Rich Red Gravy
This Spicy Goat Stew, or Cabrito, is a beloved dish in Mexican-American culture, often featured at festive family gatherings and celebrations. Tender chunks of goat meat simmered in a flavorful blend of spices, onions, and a luscious red gravy make this dish both hearty and satisfying. Perfectly paired with sides such as grilled cabrito, menudo, tamales, and pots of steaming beans and rice, this stew encapsulates the warmth and communal spirit of family meals.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
goat meat
3 lbs (cut into large chunks (cabrito))
onion
1 large (chopped)
cumin seeds
1 teaspoon (whole)
red chili powder
1 tablespoon
flour
1 tablespoon
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
oil
as needed (for browning the meat)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the goat meat and brown on all sides, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2
Once browned, season the meat with salt and pepper, then pour in enough water to cover the meat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the meat is halfway tender.
3
Add the chopped onion, red chili powder, and cumin seeds to the pot. Stir well to combine, and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the goat meat is completely tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
4
To thicken the gravy, mix the flour with a small amount of water to create a smooth paste. Gradually stir this paste into the pot, ensuring that it blends well with the stew. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes until the gravy is thick and velvety.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary, then serve hot with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Goat Stew?
Spicy Goat Stew, also known as Cabrito, is a traditional Mexican-American dish consisting of tender goat meat simmered in a rich, spicy red gravy.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this stew?
The main ingredients include 3 lbs of goat meat, a large onion, red chili powder, cumin seeds, and flour for thickening.
How do I prepare the goat meat?
The goat meat should be cut into large chunks, a preparation method commonly called cabrito.
What is the first step in cooking the goat?
The first step is to brown the goat meat chunks in a large pot with a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat.
How long does the goat meat need to simmer initially?
The meat should simmer for about 30 minutes, or until it is halfway tender, after being covered with water.
When do I add the spices to the stew?
Add the red chili powder and cumin seeds after the initial 30-minute simmer once the meat is halfway cooked.
What type of cumin is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of whole cumin seeds.
How do I thicken the red gravy?
To thicken the gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a small amount of water to create a smooth paste, then gradually stir it into the pot.
How long should the stew cook after adding the thickener?
Let the stew cook for an additional 10 minutes after adding the flour paste until the gravy becomes thick and velvety.
What is the total simmering time for the meat?
The total simmering time is approximately 60 to 70 minutes, or until the meat is completely tender.
How can I tell if the goat meat is done?
The meat is perfectly cooked when it easily pulls apart with a fork.
What side dishes pair well with Spicy Goat Stew?
This dish pairs perfectly with grilled cabrito, menudo, tamales, steaming beans, and rice.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is a beloved comfort food often featured at festive family gatherings and celebrations.
Should I season the meat at the beginning?
The meat should be seasoned with salt and pepper after it has been browned and just before adding the water for simmering.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe recommends using one large chopped onion.
Does this stew have a spicy flavor profile?
Yes, the use of red chili powder gives the dish its signature spicy kick.
What is the significance of Cabrito in Mexican culture?
Cabrito represents the communal spirit of family meals and is a staple at many traditional celebrations.
How much oil is needed for browning the meat?
Use a drizzle of oil, or as much as needed to prevent the meat from sticking while browning.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, you should taste the stew at the end and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary before serving.
Why is flour used in this recipe?
Flour acts as a thickening agent to transform the cooking liquid into a rich and velvety gravy.
What temperature should I use to brown the meat?
The meat should be browned over medium-high heat.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
Yes, the pot should be covered during both stages of simmering to retain heat and moisture.
What is the texture of the gravy?
The gravy is described as being thick, rich, and velvety.
Is the chili powder added directly to the liquid?
Yes, the chili powder is stirred directly into the pot along with the onions and cumin.
Can this stew be made ahead of time?
While best served hot, stews like this often develop deeper flavors if allowed to sit or when reheated.
Is the cumin ground or whole?
The recipe specifically calls for whole cumin seeds.
What does 'halfway tender' mean in this context?
It refers to the meat starting to soften but still requiring further cooking to reach the pull-apart stage.
Can I substitute the goat meat?
While goat is traditional for this specific dish, other meats could be used, though the flavor profile would change.
What makes the gravy red?
The red color comes from the tablespoon of red chili powder used in the simmering process.