Posta Cartagenera is a renowned dish from the vibrant coastal city of Cartagena, Colombia. This classic recipe features tender beef steak simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce enriched with aromatic spices. It reflects the rich culinary heritage of Colombian cuisine, combining bold flavors with comforting textures. Perfect for a hearty family meal or special occasion, this dish is often served with rice, potatoes, or a fresh side salad.
Posta Cartagenera hails from Cartagena, a historic port city known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. The dish showcases the Spanish and indigenous influences in Colombian food culture, where tomatoes and spices are commonly used. Traditionally enjoyed in homes and restaurants throughout Colombia, Posta Cartagenera represents the heart of coastal Colombian cooking with its robust flavors and comforting qualities.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 pounds beef steak (sirloin or flank steak)
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and let it heat.
2. Season the beef steak with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Sear the steak in the hot skillet until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are soft, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, oregano, and water. Stir well to combine.
6. Return the steak to the skillet, spoon some sauce over it, and cover.
7. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the steak is tender and fully cooked.
8. Transfer the steak to a serving platter and pour the remaining sauce and vegetables over it.
9. Serve hot with rice, potatoes, or a side salad.
Notes:
- Substitute tomato sauce with canned or diced tomatoes, blended into a puree.
- Adjust spices to taste; add more black pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Serve with rice, potatoes, or even pasta for a versatile meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
Nutrition Value:
1. Beef Steak (Sirloin or Flank Steak)
- Calories: 213 per 3-ounce serving
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 23 grams
- Fat: 13 grams
- Sodium: 55 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 75 milligrams
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin B12 and niacin
- Minerals: High in iron, zinc, and selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth. Rich in iron, it supports healthy blood cells, while Vitamin B12 helps with energy metabolism and nerve function.
2. Tomato Sauce
- Calories: 74 per 1/2 cup serving
- Carbohydrates: 16 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 400 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin C and Vitamin A
- Minerals: Contains potassium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides antioxidants like lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve heart health. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, while potassium helps maintain blood pressure levels.
3. Onion (Chopped)
- Calories: 46 per 1/2 cup serving
- Carbohydrates: 11 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 4 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Good source of Vitamin C and B vitamins (B6, folate)
- Minerals: Contains potassium and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Onions have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They support heart health and help in regulating blood sugar levels.
4. Green Pepper (Chopped)
- Calories: 24 per 1/2 cup serving
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 2 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin C and Vitamin A
- Minerals: Contains potassium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health. Helps with digestion due to its fiber content.
5. Garlic (Minced)
- Calories: 4 per clove
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C and Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Provides manganese, calcium, and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Garlic has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
6. Ground Cumin
- Calories: 8 per teaspoon
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Provides Vitamin C and Vitamin E
- Minerals: High in iron, magnesium, and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Cumin supports digestion and has antioxidant properties. Iron helps in the formation of red blood cells, and magnesium supports muscle and nerve function.
7. Paprika
- Calories: 6 per teaspoon
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains iron and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Paprika provides antioxidants and supports immune function. Vitamin A is essential for vision and skin health.
8. Oregano
- Calories: 6 per teaspoon
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin K and Vitamin C
- Minerals: Provides calcium, iron, and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Oregano has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It supports digestive health and may help in reducing inflammation.
9. Salt
- Calories: 0 per teaspoon
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 2,300 milligrams per teaspoon
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: No significant vitamins
- Minerals: High in sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Salt is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function, but should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.
10. Black Pepper
- Calories: 6 per teaspoon
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin K and Vitamin C
- Minerals: Provides iron and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Black pepper has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It aids in digestion and enhances the absorption of nutrients.
11. Vegetable Oil
- Calories: 120 per tablespoon
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin E
- Minerals: No significant minerals
- Nutritional Benefit: Vegetable oil provides essential fatty acids and Vitamin E. It is a source of healthy fats that support cellular function.
12. Water
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: No significant vitamins
- Minerals: No significant minerals
- Nutritional Benefit: Water is essential for hydration, digestion, and overall bodily functions. It supports all metabolic processes and helps maintain body temperature.
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