This beef stew from Argentina is slightly unusual but quite delicious. Dried fruits (apricots or raisins) sweeten the stew, as do the sweet potatoes. Tomatoes and onions, winter squash, and hearty chunks of beef round off the complex flavor of this wonderful stew. Carbonada criolla is perfect for when the weather turns chilly, served with cornbread and a salad.
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1.5 pounds stewing beef, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 can stewed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 white potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 large winter squash, peeled and cubed
- 7 ounces dried apricots, roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- In a large pot, sauté the onions, green pepper, and garlic in the olive oil until golden and soft.
- Add the beef and cook on medium-high heat, turning to brown all sides.
- Add the stewed tomatoes, beef broth, potatoes, sugar, squash, and apricots, and lower heat to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for one hour. Taste for seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Add more beef broth if stew seems too thick.
- Cook for about a half hour longer, until beef is tender. Stir in the frozen corn, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes more.
- Serves 6 to 8.
