Savory Dominican Style Beef Stew with Plantain Mash
Tips for Experienced Cooks
To enhance the flavors of this beef stew, consider browning the tomato paste with the vegetables before adding the diced tomatoes and spices. This process, known as 'tomato paste browning,' helps deepen the flavor profile of the sauce. Additionally, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom. This introduces a complex layer of flavor. For an extra pop of freshness, add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to the plantain mash just before serving.
Step 1: Brown the beef
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides. Remove from pot and set aside.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb beef stew meat
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
In the same pot, add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Step 3: Add the seasonings
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, and cinnamon. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Step 4: Simmer the stew
Return the beef stew meat to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Beef stew meat from step 1
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 5: Prepare the plantain mash
While the beef stew is simmering, prepare the plantain mash. Peel the ripe plantains and cut them into chunks. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the plantain chunks. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the plantains and return them to the pot. Mash the plantains with a fork or potato masher. Add milk and butter, and continue mashing until the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 4 ripe plantains, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 6: Serve
To serve, spoon the beef stew over a bed of plantain mash. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Meat, Eggs, & Dairy
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
Pantry Items
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh Produce & Herbs
- 1 clove onion
- 1 clove bell pepper
- 2 cloves tomato
- 4 cloves ripe plantain
Seasonings & Spices
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 clove fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 clove salt
- 1 clove pepper
