Carne Picada

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  or gluten-free flour
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

  freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

  reduce for less heat
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 lb chuck steak

  casserole or roast, cubed (500 grams)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion

  small, diced
• 1 cup green bell pepper

  diced (about 150 grams or 5 oz)
• 1 can tomatoes

  whole or diced
• 1 jalapeño

  sliced, optional
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

  for a touch of sweetness towards the end

Instructions

• 1 In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, dried oregano, salt, black
  pepper, cumin seeds, and chili powder.
• 2 Add the cubed chuck roast to the bowl and mix until the meat is well coated. Let
  it marinate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat.
  However, if in a rush, you can cook the meat right away.
• 3 Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• 4 Brown the marinated chuck roast cubes in the hot oil until they develop a golden
  crust.
• 5 Deglaze the pan by adding a splash of water, and scraping up any flavorful bits
  from the bottom.
• 6 Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, stirring occasionally.
• 7 Incorporate the marinated meat, diced canned tomatoes, diced green bell pepper,
  ½ teaspoon salt and sliced jalapeño (if using) into the pot. Mix the ingredients
  thoroughly.
• 8 Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 75-90
  minutes. This slow simmer allows the meat to become tender and the flavours to
  meld. Stir every 15-20 minutes.
  
  After 60 minutes, add a teaspoon of brown sugar and stir. Taste for seasoning.
  Open the lid and finish cooking for the last 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce
  to thicken and caramelize slightly.
• 9 Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. You can add more salt, black
  pepper, or chili powder according to your preference.
• 10 Once the meat is tender and the flavors have developed, serve your hearty
  Mexican Carne Picada hot. It pairs well with rice or tortillas.

Nutrition Info