Imagine a dish so tender it literally falls apart with the gentlest touch, infused with aromatic herbs and slow-cooked to perfection. Welcome to the world of Huatia, a traditional Peruvian beef recipe that transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Andes. This isn't just another beef recipe - it's a journey of flavor, tradition, and pure gastronomic pleasure that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Peruvian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare the beef chuck by patting it dry with paper towels and generously seasoning with salt, pepper, and cumin on all sides.
- Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves, setting them aside for initial preparation.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or slow cooker over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil to sear the meat.
- Brown the beef chuck on all sides, creating a rich caramelized exterior, which will enhance the depth of flavor. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the seared beef and set aside momentarily. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Return the beef to the pot and add beef broth, ensuring the liquid covers approximately half of the meat.
- Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Slow cook the beef for 5-6 hours, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and absorb the herb and spice flavors.
- During the last hour of cooking, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the meat to infuse additional herbal notes.
- Once cooking is complete, remove the beef and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Serve the beef with its rich cooking liquid, garnishing with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Chuck roast is ideal for this recipe due to its high fat content, which ensures maximum tenderness and flavor during slow cooking.
- Searing is crucial: Take time to properly brown the meat before slow cooking. This step creates a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in flavor and creates depth.
- Low and slow is the golden rule: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. The magic of Huatia happens during those long, slow hours of gentle simmering.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: Use fresh cilantro rather than dried for a vibrant, authentic flavor profile.
- Let the meat rest: Always allow the beef to rest after cooking to help redistribute the juices, ensuring each slice is incredibly moist and tender.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with simple sides like rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad to complement the rich, herbal beef.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 526kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 160mg
