Heartwarming Beef Stew with Latin Flair

Ingredients

This adaptation of the Bosnian dish Širden incorporates Latin American flavors and spices to create a unique fusion. The original dish typically features beef heart as the main ingredient, but in this recipe, we use tender chunks of beef instead. The addition of Latin American spices such as cumin, paprika, and oregano gives the stew a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from the traditional Bosnian version. We alse have the original recipe for Širden, 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, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cumin 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 5g
• Protein: 36g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the diced red and green bell peppers, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. 4.
   Return the browned beef stew meat to the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. 6.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef stew meat — For the best results, choose a cut of beef that is suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck roast or stewing beef. Trim any excess fat before cubing the meat to ensure a leaner stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stew.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• This stew tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance and reheating it for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the beef stew hot in deep bowls. Accompany it with warm crusty bread or fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprig of fresh cilantro and serve it in colorful ceramic bowls to enhance the visual appeal. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and carrots will make the dish even more enticing.