Varenga (Malagasy Shredded Beef)
Varenga is a traditional Malagasy dish of slow-cooked, shredded beef that is then crisped up, similar to Mexican carnitas. It's typically made with zebu or beef and is a flavorful accompaniment to rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 lbs Boneless beef chuck(cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 quart Water
- 2 tablespoons Salt
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves(minced finely)
- 1 cup Onion(sliced)
- 3 sprigs Parsley sprigs(for garnish (optional))
- 0.5 cup Cooking liquid from simmering(reserved)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Combine the beef, water, salt, minced garlic, and sliced onion in a 4-quart saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil.
- 2
Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and can be easily shredded. Add more water if necessary to keep the meat at a simmering point.
- 3
Remove the meat from the saucepan. Reserve about 0.5 cup of the cooking liquid. Shred the meat by pulling it apart into thin strips with two forks.
- 4
Transfer the shredded meat and the reserved cooking liquid to a greased 9x12-inch ovenproof baking pan. Toss to combine.
- 5
Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned and crispy.
- 6
Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs, if desired, and serve hot with white rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an authentic Malagasy experience, serve with white rice and a spicy condiment like sakay.
- ✓Ensure the meat is very tender before shredding for the best texture.
- ✓The browning step in the oven is crucial for achieving the crispy texture of varenga.
🔄 Variations
- Use zebu meat if available for a more traditional flavor.
- Add a pinch of black pepper to the initial simmering liquid for extra flavor.