Central African Style Stuffed Beef Cutlet

Ingredients

In this Central African adaptation of the Spanish Cachopo, we incorporate traditional Central African flavors and ingredients into the dish. The filling is inspired by Central African cuisine, featuring a combination of local vegetables, spices, and herbs that add a unique and vibrant taste to the dish. Additionally, the cooking technique and presentation are adjusted to align with Central African culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Cachopo, so you can check it out.

• 4 beef cutlets (200g each) (7 oz each) 4 beef cutlets (200g each) (7 oz each)
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil, for frying 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil, for frying
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, grated 1 carrot, grated
• 1 tomato, diced 1 tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• For breading: For breading:
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a pan, heat some oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the bell pepper, carrot, and tomato to the pan and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. 3.
   Stir in the ground paprika, ground coriander, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
4. 4.
   Place each beef cutlet between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them gently to flatten and tenderize.
5. 5.
   Spoon a generous amount of the cooled filling onto one side of each beef cutlet, leaving a border around the edges.
6. 6.
   Fold the other side of the cutlet over the filling, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
7. 7.
   In separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
8. 8.
   Dip each stuffed cutlet into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
9. 9.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the stuffed cutlets until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
10. 10.
    Remove the cutlets from the skillet and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
11. 11.
    Serve the Central African Style Stuffed Beef Cutlets hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef cutlets — Pound the beef cutlets gently to ensure they are evenly flattened for easier rolling and sealing.
• Ground paprika — Adjust the amount of ground paprika according to your preference for spiciness.
• Breadcrumbs — For a more flavorful coating, you can mix the breadcrumbs with some dried herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure the filling stays intact while frying, make sure to seal the edges of the cutlets firmly.
• If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the stuffed cutlets in the oven instead of frying them.
• Experiment with different fillings by incorporating local Central African ingredients such as plantains or okra.
• Serve the Central African Style Stuffed Beef Cutlets with a side of spicy tomato sauce or a refreshing cucumber salad.
• Leftover cutlets can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold the next day as a tasty sandwich filling.

Serving advice

Serve the Central African Style Stuffed Beef Cutlets hot, accompanied by a side of your choice. They pair well with traditional Central African staples like fufu, plantains, or rice. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Central African Style Stuffed Beef Cutlets on a platter, allowing the golden brown exterior to shine. Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs over the cutlets for a pop of color. Serve with the side dish placed elegantly beside the cutlets for a visually appealing presentation.