Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Spain! This mouthwatering Estofado de Garbanzos con Carne is not just a meal; it's a warm embrace of rich flavors, tender beef, and hearty chickpeas that will make your kitchen smell like a traditional Spanish home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious food lover, this recipe promises to deliver a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup chickpeas
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in cold water. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Pat the beef pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef pieces in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add diced onions. Sauté until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and enough water or beef stock to just cover the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check the beef and chickpeas for tenderness. The meat should be fork-tender and the chickpeas soft but not mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or smoked paprika as needed.
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley and accompanied by crusty bread.
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose a well-marbled cut like chuck or beef shoulder for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Browning Technique: Take your time when browning the meat. A deep golden-brown crust develops incredible depth of flavor.
- Chickpea Prep: If using dried chickpeas, soaking overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Low and Slow: Gentle simmering is key to creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth stew. Avoid high heat to prevent toughening the meat.
- Flavor Boosters: Consider adding a bay leaf or a splash of red wine during cooking for extra complexity.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
