Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that defies traditional boundaries and tantalizes your taste buds like never before! This extraordinary Tamarind Beef and Bean Stew is not just a meal, it's a vibrant fusion of flavors that will transport you across continents with every single bite. Imagine tender, succulent beef slow-cooked in a rich, tangy tamarind sauce, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of pineapple and bananas, creating a dish that's simultaneously exotic, comforting, and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Fusion
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef, cubed
- 1 cup tamarind paste
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cubing the beef into 1-inch pieces, chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, dicing the pineapple, and slicing the bananas. Season the beef cubes generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Return the browned beef to the pot and add tamarind paste, stirring to coat the meat thoroughly. The tangy tamarind will help tenderize the beef. Pour in beef broth, ensuring the meat is mostly covered. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Slow cook the beef for approximately
- 5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat becomes tender and can be easily pulled apart. 30 minutes before the end of cooking, add the drained black beans, diced pineapple, and stir gently. In the final 10 minutes of cooking, carefully fold in the sliced bananas, allowing them to soften slightly without breaking apart. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or tamarind paste as needed. Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving has a mix of beef, beans, pineapple, and bananas. Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions.
Tips
- Choose the right cut of beef: Use chuck or shoulder cuts that have good marbling for maximum tenderness.
- Brown the meat thoroughly: This crucial step develops deep, complex flavor foundations for your stew.
- Low and slow is the key: Patience during cooking ensures melt-in-your-mouth beef.
- Don't rush the tamarind: Allow it to fully integrate with the meat for maximum flavor penetration.
- Add bananas last to prevent them from disintegrating and maintain their delicate texture.
- Consider serving over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the incredible sauce.
- For extra depth, toast your spices before adding them to enhance their aromatic qualities.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
