Oaxacan-style Beef Stew with Rich Mole Sauce

Ingredients

While the original Dalmatinska pašticada is a slow-cooked beef stew with a tangy flavor profile, this Oaxacan adaptation takes inspiration from the traditional mole sauces of Oaxaca. The addition of Oaxacan spices, such as dried chilies and chocolate, transforms the dish into a rich and complex stew with a hint of sweetness and smokiness. We alse have the original recipe for Dalmatinska pašticada, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cubed 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 dried ancho chilies, seeded and soaked in hot water 2 dried ancho chilies, seeded and soaked in hot water
• 2 dried guajillo chilies, seeded and soaked in hot water 2 dried guajillo chilies, seeded and soaked in hot water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup (60g) almonds 1/4 cup (60g) almonds
• 1/4 cup (60g) raisins 1/4 cup (60g) raisins
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves 2 cloves
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 8g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
2. 2.
   Drain the soaked chilies and add them to a blender along with the tomatoes, sesame seeds, almonds, raisins, cocoa powder, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Blend until smooth.
3. 3.
   Add the beef stew meat to the pot and brown it on all sides.
4. 4.
   Pour the blended sauce over the beef and stir to coat the meat evenly.
5. 5.
   Add the beef broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Oaxacan-style beef stew hot with warm tortillas or rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried chilies — Make sure to remove the seeds and soak them in hot water to soften before blending.
• Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown for enhanced flavor.
• Almonds — You can use blanched almonds for a smoother sauce, or leave the skin on for added texture.
• Cocoa powder — Use unsweetened cocoa powder to balance the flavors of the mole sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the stew uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors will continue to develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Oaxacan-style beef stew in deep bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Accompany it with warm tortillas or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top of the stew. Serve it alongside a colorful side salad or pickled vegetables for a vibrant and appetizing plate.