Carne Con Papas En Salsa Verde

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. 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!