Carne Con Papas En Salsa Verde Recipe
Carne con papas en salsa verde is a delicious Mexican dish made with tender beef, potatoes, and a zesty green tomatillo-based sauce. This hearty and flavorful meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients:
For the Carne con Papas:
- 1 ½ lbs beef stew meat (or chuck roast), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups beef broth (or water)
For the Salsa Verde:
- 10 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 2-3 serrano or jalapeño peppers (adjust heat to taste)
- ½ white onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional)
Garnishes (optional):
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced radishes
- Lime wedges
- Warm corn tortillas
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Potatoes
- Season the beef: In a bowl, season the beef cubes with salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Brown the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (such as a Dutch oven) over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef cubes and sear them on all sides until browned. This process should take about 8-10 minutes. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onions and sauté them in the remaining oil until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the beef back to the pot: Return the browned beef to the pot and add the bay leaf. Pour in the beef broth or water, ensuring that the meat is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef becomes tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add more broth or water if needed.
- Cook the potatoes: Once the beef is tender, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine, cover again, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through but still firm. You can check for doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork. They should be soft but not falling apart.
Step 2: Make the Salsa Verde
- Prepare the tomatillos: While the beef and potatoes are cooking, prepare the salsa verde. Start by boiling a medium pot of water. Once boiling, add the husked tomatillos and whole peppers to the pot. Simmer for 7-10 minutes until the tomatillos turn a pale green color and soften. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can make the salsa too watery.
- Blend the salsa: Drain the cooked tomatillos and peppers and transfer them to a blender. Add the onion, garlic, cilantro, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. If the salsa seems too thick, you can add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency. Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed.
Step 3: Combine the Salsa Verde with the Beef and Potatoes
- Add the salsa to the beef: Once the beef and potatoes are tender, pour the salsa verde into the pot. Stir well to combine everything. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly as it simmers.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the carne con papas en salsa verde and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a bit more broth or water.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the dish: Once everything is cooked and the sauce has thickened, your carne con papas en salsa verde is ready to serve. Spoon the mixture into bowls or plates.
- Garnish and accompany: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, and lime wedges if desired. Serve with warm corn tortillas on the side to scoop up the savory beef and potatoes.
Tips for Success:
- Tender meat: The key to a tender and flavorful carne con papas is to cook the beef slowly at a low temperature. If the beef is tough, allow it to simmer for longer before adding the potatoes.
- Heat control: Adjust the heat level of your salsa verde by varying the amount and type of peppers used. Serrano peppers will give a spicier salsa, while jalapeños provide a milder heat.
- Add vegetables: You can customize this dish by adding other vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, or zucchini, in addition to the potatoes for more texture and flavor.
Conclusion:
Carne con papas en salsa verde is a traditional, comforting Mexican dish that brings together tender beef, hearty potatoes, and a tangy, vibrant green sauce. This flavorful meal is perfect for family dinners, and it pairs wonderfully with tortillas and fresh garnishes. Enjoy!