Ingredients and Weight:
- Beef (cubed or stew meat) - 1 pound
- White onions - 2 large
- Bell peppers (red or green) - 2 medium
- Olives (black or green) - 1/4 cup
- Garlic - 3 cloves
- Fresh oregano - 1 sprig
- Bay leaves - 2-3
- Vegetable oil for cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Raisins, capers, tomato paste for additional flavor
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 2-3 hours (slow cooker or pressure cooker can reduce time)
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty due to extended cooking time)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large pot, heat some vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onions and bell peppers and cook until softened.
- Add garlic, olives, oregano, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Pour enough water to cover the meat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjust seasoning and add optional ingredients like raisins or capers if desired.
- Serve with white rice or Cuban black beans and enjoy!
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving (depending on additional ingredients)
Protein: 25-35g per serving
Fat: 15-25g per serving (mostly from beef)
Carbohydrates: From rice or beans served with the dish
Fiber: From vegetables and beans
Dish Characteristics:
- Traditional Cuban dish with rich flavors and long cooking time for tender meat.
- The dish is hearty and perfect for colder weather.
- The combination of beef, olives, and spices creates a unique flavor profile that Americans often enjoy.
User Comments:
- "This dish was delicious! The beef was so tender and the flavors were spot on." - John Doe
- "Made this for a Cuban friend who said it was just like his mom's. So happy with the result!" - Jane Smith
- "I added some tomato paste to give it a richer tomato flavor, it was a great addition." - Michael Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use a slow cooker or pressure cooker to reduce cooking time and ensure tender meat.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences. Cuban dishes often use a lot of salt, so be mindful when seasoning.
- Brown the beef well to enhance flavor and texture.
