Asado Criollo (Venezuelan Pot Roast)

🧂 Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (approx. 3.3 lbs) Beef chuck roast or similar braising cut(A well-marbled cut like chuck or brisket will yield the most tender results.)
• 4 medium Ripe tomatoes(Diced or roughly chopped.)
• 2 medium Bell peppers (any color, e.g., red, green, yellow)(Seeded and roughly chopped.)
• 2 medium Yellow onions(Peeled and roughly chopped.)
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• to taste Salt(Start with 1.5 teaspoons, adjust as needed.)
• to taste Black pepper(Start with 1 teaspoon, adjust as needed.)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or other neutral cooking oil(For searing the beef.)
• 1 cup (approx. 240 ml) Beef broth or water(Optional, for added moisture if needed during braising.)
• 4-6 cloves Garlic cloves(Minced or finely chopped (optional, but recommended for extra flavor).)
• 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro or parsley(Chopped, for garnish (optional).)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the beef: Pat the beef roast completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt and black pepper. This drying and seasoning step is crucial for a good sear.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Sear the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned beef roast into the hot oil. Sear for 3-5 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms all over. This develops rich flavor. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
3. 3

   Sauté the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the same pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic (if using) and cumin, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
4. 4

   Add tomatoes and deglaze: Stir in the chopped tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to break down slightly. If the pot seems dry, add the beef broth or water to deglaze, scraping the bottom to loosen any flavorful bits. Bring to a simmer.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
5. 5

   Braise the roast: Return the seared beef roast to the pot, nestling it among the vegetables. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the roast. If needed, add a little more broth or water. Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Transfer the pot to a preheated oven.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
6. 6

   Slow cook until tender: Braise in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds. Check periodically (every hour or so) and add a splash more liquid if the pot appears dry. The vegetables should be very soft and have broken down into a rich sauce.

   ⏱️ 2.5 - 3 hours
7. 7

   Rest and serve: Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Let the roast rest in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes before slicing or shredding. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce if desired. Serve the Asado Criollo hot, spooning the rich vegetable sauce over the meat. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Low and slow is key for tender, flavorful braised beef. Don't rush the cooking process.
• ✓The beef is done when it's easily pierced and falls apart with a fork.
• ✓Asado Criollo is traditionally served as a Sunday lunch, often accompanied by rice, beans, or arepas.
• ✓For an even richer sauce, you can blend some of the cooked vegetables with a little of the braising liquid before serving.

🔄 Variations

• Add a splash of dry red wine (about 1/2 cup) after sautéing the vegetables for added depth of flavor.
• Include other root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes during the last hour of braising.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the cumin.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving