Latin Meat Stew (Biste)

Who doesn’t love a great stew?  Even better when it is super easy, quick and delicious to make.  My sister-in-law taught me how to make Latin meat stew (otherwise known as Biste in Spanish) and of course when I make it, I score big points with the hubs.

If you feel like getting adventurous with your cooking by visiting a different culture in the kitchen – give this recipe you a try!  I promise you’ll love it.

What you need:

• 4 large ripe tomatoes (Hot House are a good option), sliced and diced
• 1 large onion, sliced and diced
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• A splash of olive oil
• Salt, pepper and oregano to taste
• Sazon Goya (Goya Seasoning) – you can find in Latin America grocery stores or in the international section of some supermarkets (I have made it without – so no stress if you can’t find it)
• 3-4 packages of thin fry steak (the beauty of this dish is you can substitute the beef for sliced chicken breast or thigh if you like). The fry steak should be cut into small strips

What you do:

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large stock pot. Add the onions and let them sweat for a couple of minutes. Turn up the heat to medium. Now add the tomatoes and green peppers. Stir them around with a wooden spoon.  Add the cover to the pot and let the vegetables cook for about 5 minutes.  Remove the lid and stir periodically.  Reduce heat.  The tomatoes, onions and green peppers should cook down into liquid/sauce.  As this is happening, add your fry steak.  Mix around with a spoon so that the meat browns.  Add your salt, pepper, oregano and stir.  The add 2 packets of Sazon Goya and stir through.  The stew will turn a bright red.  Return the lid and let the stew simmer for about 10 minutes.

Serve the stew over our Foolproof Rice.  It is so tasty.  Feel free to add a little hot sauce to take the dish to a whole other level.  Of course, set some stew aside without hot sauce added so the kids can enjoy too!