Laylitas Carne Colorada Braised Beef Recipes

LAILA'S STEWED BEEF WITH CREAMY CHEESE GRITS

Steps:

• For the stewed beef: Sprinkle the meat with the salt. In a Dutch oven, brown the stew meat in the olive oil over high heat until browned, about 2 minutes. Reduce to medium heat and add the garlic, celery, green onions, yellow onions, poblano peppers and bell peppers; saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chili powder, cumin, crushed red pepper and beef broth, Stir, and then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Keep an eye on the pot as you may need to add more broth or water if it cooks down too much before meat is tender. It's ready when the meat is fork tender and the liquid has thickened into a stew.
• For the creamy cheese grits: Start preparing the grits during the last hour of cooking time. Heat the olive oil and saute the onions over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth, 3 cups water, grits and salt and pepper; stir and bring to a boil. Next, add the butter. Reduce the heat and cook on low, about 20 minutes. Be sure to stir often to prevent clumping. Add the half-and-half and continue cooking until the grits are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the stove, add the cheeses and stir until smooth and creamy. Add more half-and-half as needed.
• Serve the stewed beef with the grits.

RONALDO'S BEEF CARNITAS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
• Place roast on heavy foil large enough to enclose the meat. In a small bowl, combine the green chile peppers, chili powder, oregano, cumin, garlic and salt to taste. Mix well and rub over the meat.
• Totally wrap the meat in the foil and place in a roasting pan.
• Bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the roast just falls apart with a fork. Remove from oven and shred using two forks.

SHREDDED BEEF ENCHILADAS

Steps:

• Place roast in a large saucepan that has a tight-fitting lid. Pour in water, cover, and simmer on low for 30 minutes. Increase heat to medium/high, and brown the roast on all sides. Once the water has boiled away, pour in the beef broth, vinegar, chili powder and 1 tablespoon of cumin. Cover tightly and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the beef falls apart when you try to pick it up. Shred the beef, using 2 forks or your fingers. Place shredded beef back into the saucepan with all the juices, and let cool to room temperature.
• In a large skillet, saute the onion until just soft, not browned. Mix in flour and green chilies. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook the flour taste out. Stir in sour cream and 2 cups of Monterey Jack cheese. Cook on low for 10 minutes, stirring often, until the cheese is all melted and mixed. Set aside and let cool.
• In a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil. Using tongs dip the tortillas, one at a time, into the oil for 30 seconds each side. Drain on paper towels.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spread 4 tablespoons of sour cream mixture down the center of the tortilla. Top with about the same amount of beef. Roll up and place seam side down in one or two 8x11 inch baking dish. Repeat for each tortilla. Continue until you are out of the filling. Sprinkle with remaining Monterey Jack cheese.
• Bake in a pre-heated oven for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.

CARNITAS: BRAISED AND FRIED PORK

Steps:

• Put all the ingredients in a wide 6-to 7-quart heavy pot (don't worry if the pork is not completely covered) and bring the water to a boil, skimming the surface as necessary. Lower the heat and simmer vigorously, stirring occasionally, until the pork is fork-tender and the liquid has completely evaporated, 1½ to 2 hours. Discard the orange pieces and bay leaves. If the liquid hasn't evaporated after 2 hours, transfer the pork pieces to a bowl and let the liquid continue to bubble away, stirring often, until it has.
• Preheat the oven to 450°F. Transfer the pork and fat to an ovenproof dish, if necessary, and brown the pork, uncovered, in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes. There's no need to stir.
• Carnitas keeps in the refrigerator for up to three days.

LAYLITA'S CARNE COLORADA (BRAISED BEEF)

Steps:

• Preparation: 1. Blend the garlic cloves, chopped onion, lemon juice and beer to obtain a puree. 2. Mix in the achiote, cumin, oregano and salt. 3. Place the cubed beef in a non-reactive bowl and combine with the marinade. Cover and let rest in the fridge for at least two hours (overnight is ideal). 4. Heat the butter (or lard) in a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the beef and braise slowly until all the liquid is evaporated and the meat begins to brown. Stir frequently until the meat is browned on all sides. 5. Add salt if needed and serve.