Dominican Braised Beef in Smoked Guava Sauce with Black Bean Moro and Seared Sweet Plantain

Instructions

1. 1

   1. Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, half of the garlic, and the sour orange juice. Let it rest for 15 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

2. 2

   2. Heat a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil and brown the beef in batches for 6 to 8 minutes, until deeply colored. Remove the beef and set aside.

3. 3

   3. In the same pot, reduce to medium heat and add half of the red onion, the sweet ají peppers, and the remaining garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomato, and smoked paprika, and cook 2 minutes more, stirring.

4. 4

   4. Return the beef to the pot. Add the guava puree, beef broth, and bay leaf. When it reaches a gentle boil, lower the heat, partially cover, and cook for 50 to 55 minutes, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally and adjust with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt if needed.

5. 5

   5. While the beef cooks, make the moro. In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the rest of the red onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add the rice, cooked black beans with their liquid, and the water. Add the rest of the salt and mix well.

6. 6

   6. Bring the moro to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender. Turn off the heat, add half of the fresh cilantro, fluff with a fork, and let rest covered for 5 minutes.

7. 7

   7. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and, once melted but not browned, place the ripe plantains in the pan. Sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and lightly caramelized.

8. 8

   8. Remove the bay leaf from the beef and add the remaining fresh cilantro to the sauce. If you want a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for 3 to 5 additional minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.

9. 9

   9. Serve a portion of black bean moro, top or side it with the beef in smoked guava sauce, and accompany with the hot seared sweet plantains.