Cuba is known for its rich cultural heritage and flavorful cuisine. One popular dish is Carne con Papa, a savory stew of beef and potatoes in a rich tomato-based sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for cold nights or when you need something filling and satisfying.

Carne con Papa is a classic Cuban dish that is full of bold flavors and comforting aromas. The combination of tender beef, savory potatoes, and aromatic spices creates a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

The beef chuck or sirloin used in this recipe is a great choice for stews because it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow. Browning the beef before simmering it in the sauce adds another layer of flavor and creates a rich, meaty base for the dish.

The vegetables in Carne con Papa add depth and complexity to the dish. The onions, garlic, and bell peppers create a flavorful base for the sauce, while the diced tomatoes and tomato paste add a tangy sweetness that balances out the savory flavors. The cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika add warm, earthy notes that complement the beef and potatoes perfectly.

The potatoes in this dish are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide long-lasting energy and keep you feeling full and satisfied. The chunks of potato absorb the flavors of the sauce and become soft and creamy, creating a delicious contrast to the tender beef.

When serving Carne con Papa, it is traditional to pair it with white rice and black beans. This combination creates a complete meal that is both filling and nutritious. You can also serve the dish with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Overall, Carne con Papa is a classic Cuban dish that is easy to make, delicious, and satisfying. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a perfect meal for any occasion, and its nutritional benefits make it a healthy and satisfying choice for any diet.

Ingredients:

1- 2 pounds of beef chuck or sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces

2- 1 onion, chopped

3- 3 garlic cloves, minced

4- 1 green bell pepper, chopped

5- 1 red bell pepper, chopped

6- 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes

7- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste

8- 2 cups of beef broth

9- 1 teaspoon of cumin

10- 1 teaspoon of oregano

11- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

12- 1 bay leaf

13- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks

14- Salt and pepper to taste

15- 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Now, let's start preparing the dish:

1- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2- Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

3- In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

4- Add the can of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, bay leaf, and the reserved beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.

5- Add the potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

6- Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Note:

Carne con Papa is traditionally served with white rice and black beans. You can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutrition Facts:

This recipe makes 8 servings. Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 395
• Fat: 14g
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 619mg

Carne con Papa is a nutritious and filling meal that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck with friends. It is high in protein and fiber, and the potatoes provide a good source of complex carbohydrates. This dish is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, as it contains plenty of bell peppers and onions. Enjoy!