Colombian FoodColombian-Style Beef Meatballs in Sweet Pepper Coconut Stew with Yam Purée and Lime Cabbage Salad
An original recipe inspired by Colombian flavors: beef meatballs seasoned with cumin, scallions, and cilantro, simmered in a mild sweet pepper, tomato, and coconut stew, served over creamy yam purée with a fresh cabbage, lime, and avocado salad.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef (preferiblemente with algo of grasa for jugosidad)
- 80 g scallions (finely chopped, divided)
- 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped, divided)
- 12 g garlic (chopped or machacado, divided)
- 4 g ground cumin (divided)
- 8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 2 g black pepper (divided)
- 30 g pre-cooked cornmeal (for ligar the meatballs)
- 1 unit egg (for ligar)
- 30 ml vegetable oil (divided)
- 150 g sweet peppers (without semillas and chopped)
- 250 g ripe tomato (chopped)
- 30 g tomato paste (for dar profundidad al guiso)
- 400 ml coconut milk (without endulzar)
- 240 ml beef broth or water (for ajustar the sauce)
- 700 g peeled yam (cut diced medium)
- 30 g butter (for the puree)
- 120 ml milk (for the puree, tibia)
- 200 g green cabbage (finely grated)
- 150 g avocado (diced or slices)
- 60 ml lime (juice fresh)
- 4 g sugar (for balancear the ensalada)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a medium pot, place the yam with enough water and a pinch of the salt. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes, until very tender.
- 2
2. While the yam cooks, prepare the meatballs. In a bowl combine the ground beef, half of the scallions, half of the cilantro, half of the garlic, half of the cumin, 1 teaspoon of the salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper, the pre-cooked cornmeal, and the egg. Mix gently and shape into 16 evenly sized meatballs.
- 3
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for 5 to 6 minutes, turning to sear several sides. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove and set aside.
- 4
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the remaining scallions, remaining garlic, and the sweet peppers for 3 to 4 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
- 5
5. Add the tomato, tomato paste, remaining cumin, remaining black pepper, and remaining salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until a thick stew base forms.
- 6
6. Stir in the coconut milk and beef broth or water. Mix well, bring to a gentle simmer, and return the meatballs to the skillet. Cover partially and cook over low heat for 18 to 20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- 7
7. For better doneness control, you can check that the center of the meatballs reaches 160°F / 71°C.
- 8
8. Drain the cooked yam and mash it while hot with the butter and warm milk until smooth. Adjust salt if needed.
- 9
9. In a separate bowl, toss the cabbage with the lime juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Massage lightly for 1 minute to soften it slightly, then gently fold in the avocado.
- 10
10. Turn off the heat under the meatballs and add the remaining cilantro to the sauce. Serve a base of yam purée, top with the meatballs and their sweet pepper coconut stew, and finish with the cabbage and avocado salad on the side.
Chef tips
If you want a thicker sauce, let the stew simmer uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes at the end. For a more homemade flavor, let the meatball mixture rest for 10 minutes before browning.
Substitutions
You can replace the yam with arracacha or baby yellow potatoes for the purée. If sweet peppers are unavailable, use mild red bell pepper. The milk can be replaced with more coconut milk to avoid dairy, and the butter with vegetable oil or dairy-free margarine.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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