Olla de Carne con Plátano Maduro
A hearty and flavorful beef stew, this version of Olla de Carne incorporates the sweetness of ripe plantains, adding a unique Costa Rican twist to the traditional hearty soup. It's a comforting and complete meal, perfect for family gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Beef chuck roast(cut into large chunks)
- 3 liters Water
- 3 ears Corn on the cob(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 4 large Potatoes(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 3 large Carrots(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 500 g Yuca (Cassava)(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 2 medium Sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 200 g Taro root (Malanga)(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 2 medium Ripe plantains(peeled and cut into thick slices)
- 1 large Onion(quartered)
- 1 large Bell pepper(seeded and quartered)
- 1 bunch Cilantro(tied with kitchen twine)
- 4 cloves Garlic(smashed)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks on all sides until browned. Remove beef and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Add the quartered onion, bell pepper, and smashed garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 3
Return the beef to the pot. Add water to cover the meat, along with the tied cilantro. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 4
Add the corn, potatoes, carrots, yuca, and taro root to the pot. Ensure vegetables are submerged. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
⏱️ 45 minutes - 5
Add the ripe plantain slices to the stew. Cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the plantains are soft and cooked through.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 6
Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the cilantro bunch and discard. Ladle the stew into bowls, ensuring each serving has a variety of meats and vegetables.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer broth, you can add a beef bouillon cube.
- ✓If you don't have taro root, you can omit it or use more yuca.
- ✓Ensure the plantains are ripe (yellow with black spots) for maximum sweetness.
🔄 Variations
- Add chayote squash for extra vegetables.
- Serve with a side of white rice.