Carcerato with a Romanian Twist

Ingredients

In this Romanian adaptation, the traditional Italian Carcerato is enhanced with Romanian flavors and ingredients. The addition of paprika and sour cream gives the dish a distinct tangy taste, while still maintaining the comforting elements of the original recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Carcerato, so you can check it out.

• 250 grams (8.8 oz) pasta 250 grams (8.8 oz) pasta
• 500 grams (1.1 lb) beef, cubed 500 grams (1.1 lb) beef, cubed
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons paprika
• 200 ml (7 fl oz) sour cream 200 ml (7 fl oz) sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the paprika, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. 4.
   Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients in the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
5. 5.
   Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. 6.
   Once the beef is tender, stir in the sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. 7.
   Serve the Carcerato over a bed of cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For a more tender result, choose a cut of beef that is suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or stewing beef.
• Paprika — Opt for Hungarian paprika for an authentic flavor.
• Sour cream — If you prefer a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavors, marinate the beef in paprika, garlic, and oil for a few hours before cooking.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the dish.
• Serve the Carcerato with a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra creamy finish.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.

Serving advice

Serve the Romanian Carcerato hot, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Carcerato with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through.