Carne desmenuzada is a popular Nicaraguan dish made from shredded beef that is often served with rice and beans. You might get it throughout the country but Managua, Nicaragua is a haven for good recipes. Here is a recipe to make carne desmenuzada:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 2 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Cut the beef into large chunks and season with cumin, oregano, and salt.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides.
- Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
- Let the beef simmer for about 2-3 hours or until it is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Check on the beef occasionally and add more water if necessary.
- Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded beef to the pot and mix it with the remaining sauce. Cook for another 10-15 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the carne desmenuzada hot with rice and beans or as desired.
Enjoy your delicious carne desmenuzada (carne deshilada) from Nicaragua!
I found another recipe to follow, if you would like:
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 pounds of beef (e.g., chuck roast)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef broth or stock
- Optional: additional seasonings like cumin, chili powder, paprika, etc.
Instructions:
- Season the beef generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef to the hot oil and sear it on all sides until browned. This step helps to develop the flavors.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing them until softened and fragrant.
- Place the seared beef back into the skillet with the onions and garlic.
- Add the beef broth or stock, and any additional seasonings you prefer.
- Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
- Allow the beef to cook slowly for several hours, or until it becomes very tender and easy to shred with a fork.
- Once the beef is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it into small pieces or strands.