Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 1 teaspoon/5g)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional) (approx. 1 tablespoon/5g)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) chili powder
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can (411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lime juice
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) baking powder
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt
- 1/3 cup (75ml) vegetable shortening or lard
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water
Instructions:
- Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes and beef broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour with 1/4 cup (60ml) of cold water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering stew. Cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening or lard using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add warm water, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 12-16 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for about 30-60 seconds per side, or until lightly browned and puffy. Keep warm in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
- Serve the Carne Guisada hot with warm flour tortillas.