Slow Cooker Carne Picada

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Beef (cubed): 1.5 kg (3 pounds)
2. Red wine: 500 ml (1 bottle)
3. Onion: 2 large, chopped
4. Garlic: 5 cloves, crushed
5. Tomato paste: 100 grams (1/2 cup)
6. Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
7. Dried oregano: 2 tablespoons
8. Beef broth or stock: 500 ml (2 cups)
9. Salt and sugar: To taste
10. Cooking oil: For frying the beef cubes

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 6-8 hours in a slow cooker

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, heat some cooking oil and fry the beef cubes until browned on all sides. This will help seal the juices and enhance flavor.
2. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
3. Add the chopped onions, crushed garlic, black pepper, and dried oregano to the slow cooker.
4. Pour the red wine and beef broth or stock into the slow cooker.
5. Add tomato paste and stir everything together.
6. Season with salt and sugar to taste.
7. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
8. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: Approximately 500 calories per serving (depending on side dishes)
• Fat: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams
• Protein: 45 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful, with a deep red wine sauce that pairs perfectly with beef.
• The dish is cooked slowly in a low-heat environment, ensuring tender meat and rich flavors.
• It is a hearty dish that goes well with cold weather or as a weekend meal for family gatherings.

User Comments:

1. "The flavors were so rich and complex! This dish was perfect for a family gathering." - John Doe
2. "I love the slow-cooked beef that is so tender and juicy." - Jane Smith
3. "The red wine sauce was outstanding! This is definitely a keeper." - Michael Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a good quality red wine for best results. Avoid using cooking wine as it may have a strong flavor that could overpower the dish.
• Adjust seasoning according to your taste, adding more salt or sugar if needed.
• Slow cookers have different heat settings and times, so adjust accordingly to ensure the meat is tender and fully cooked through before serving.