Dominican Bean and Beef Stew (La Bandera)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Carolina® White Rice
- 2 lb top round beef steaks, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 5 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, divided
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar
Instructions
When friends and family come together, a traditional stew — packed with hearty vegetables and fluffy long grain white rice — is the ideal meal to prepare. With the perfect balance of spices and seasoning, it’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular dishes on the island!
Step 1
In large bowl, combine beef, 1/4 cup oil, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt and pepper; let stand for 30 minutes.
Step 2
Meanwhile, in medium pot, prepare rice according to package directions. Keep warm.
Step 3
Heat remaining oil in Dutch oven or high-sided skillet set over medium heat; cook beef for 12 to 15 minutes or until browned; transfer to plate and set aside.
Step 4
Add onion, garlic, bell pepper and celery to Dutch oven; cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until softened. Add tomato paste; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Return beef to Dutch oven, along with beef broth, 2 tbsp parsley and adobo seasoning; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cook for 1 to 2 hours or until beef is tender and sauce is thickened. Add kidney and pinto beans in last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir in vinegar.
Step 5
Transfer rice to large serving platter. Spoon beef and bean mixture over top to resemble flag of the Dominican Republic. Sprinkle with remaining parsley.
Recipe Tip
Serve with salad and tostones to round out the meal.
Picture Perfect Plating
For yet another Instagram-worthy dish, arrange this hearty Bean and Beef Stew as la bandera — the flag — of the Dominican Republic. For that extra wow-factor, make a cross with the white rice, then pile a scoop of stew in each corner. But no matter how you plate it, this traditional dish never fails to satisfy!
How to Marinade Beef
Though it’s a lean and tough cut, round beef steak will get plenty tender and juicy with the right preparation. First things first, select a marinade that will break down the meat fibers and enhance the flavor. Why spend time making a mixture when you probably already have one in your fridge? In fact, Worcestershire sauce contains the key ingredients that make a great marinade! The vinegar is a great tenderizer and those spices and sugars give it an irresistible savory flavor.
– Choose a container that will completely cover the diced steak. Just make sure not to choose a metal bowl – it could react with the acid and vinegar and end up affecting the taste.
– Stash it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes – give it a stir halfway through to ensure that each piece is evenly coated.
– Transfer marinated meat to a paper towel lined plate and pat dry. You want your meat to brown, rather than steam.
– For an extra boost of flavor, add a cumin, salt, and pepper rub before pan searing.
Still craving Latin American flavors but want to explore other marinated meat options? This homestyle Peruvian Lamb Stew with Rice will surely hit the spot! If you want to try your hand at our Barbecue Pulled Pork Rice Dip – perfect for holidays, game days, or summer BBQs.
Kitchen Tips
For more kitchen tips and advice on topics such as how to cook white rice. Check out our webiste!
