Olla de Carne
A rich and flavorful beef and vegetable stew, Olla de Carne is a comforting and traditional Costa Rican soup. It features tender chunks of beef simmered with a variety of root vegetables and corn, creating a deeply satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef Chuck Roast(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 8 cups Beef Broth
- 4 cups Water
- 1 large Onion(quartered)
- 4 cloves Garlic(smashed)
- 2 large Celery Stalks(cut into large pieces)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 1 large Sweet Potatoes(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 1 lb Yuca (Cassava)(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 2 ears Corn on the Cob(cut into 2-3 inch pieces)
- 1 green Plantain(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 1/2 bunch Cilantro(tied with kitchen twine)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes on all sides until browned. Remove beef and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Add the quartered onion and smashed garlic to the pot and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Deglaze the pot with a splash of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 3
Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the remaining beef broth, water, and the tied bunch of cilantro. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
⏱️ 1.5 - 2 hours - 4
Add the harder root vegetables: carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yuca. Add more water or broth if needed to keep ingredients submerged. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 45 minutes.
⏱️ 45 minutes - 5
Add the corn on the cob and green plantain chunks. Simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender but not mushy.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 6
Remove the cilantro bunch. Season the Olla de Carne generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot in large bowls, ensuring each serving has a good variety of beef and vegetables.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a good quality beef chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pot when searing the beef; do it in batches if necessary.
- ✓The variety of vegetables can be adjusted based on availability and preference, but these are the traditional ones.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include chayote squash or ñame (yam).
- A small amount of white rice can be served on the side.