Carne Aravada

Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 135 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

This red chile stew can be made with beef or pork. Serve with beans or French fries.

Ingredients

2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
4 tablespoons guajillo chile powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/4 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
salt to taste

Directions

1 In a saucepan, combine water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and beef cubes. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.
2 Combine the chile powder, minced garlic, and oregano in a small bowl. Add enough of the beef cooking water to make a paste. After 30 minutes, stir the spice paste into the beef mixture.
3 Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook flour, stirring constantly, until golden brown. Take 1 cup of the spiced cooking water and whisk it into the flour mixture until smooth. Stir in the cumin, chopped parsley, and salt.
4 Transfer the thickened sauce mixture into the saucepan with the beef. Simmer until tender, about 1 1/2 hours.