Dominican Coffee-Oregano Braised Beef with Mashed Sweet Potato and Warm Watercress Salad

Instructions

1. 1

   1. In a bowl, combine the beef with the garlic, oregano, ground coffee, sour orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper. Cover and marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

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   2. Meanwhile, place the sweet potato in a pot with enough water to cover and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium heat, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until very tender.

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   3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the beef in batches for 6 to 8 minutes, turning to brown several sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

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   4. In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil, the white onion, and the sweet peppers. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add the tomato paste and chopped tomato, and cook 2 minutes more, stirring to deepen the flavor.

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   5. Return the beef to the pot along with any marinade juices, add the bay leaf, and pour in the hot beef broth. Once it reaches a gentle boil, reduce to low heat, partially cover, and cook for 55 to 65 minutes, until the beef is tender and the sauce has slightly thickened.

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   6. Drain the cooked sweet potato and mash it right away with the butter and warm milk until smooth but still rustic. Adjust with the remaining salt and a pinch of black pepper.

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   7. In a clean skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the beef cooking liquid for 30 seconds. Add the watercress and red onion, and toss for 1 minute just to warm them through. Remove from the heat and mix with the lime juice.

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   8. Serve a layer of mashed sweet potato on each plate, spoon the braised beef and sauce over the top, and finish with the warm watercress and red onion salad on the side.

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   9. If you want to keep everything warm before serving, cover the pot or plates and place in the oven at 200 °F / 95 °C for up to 10 minutes.

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    10. Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat or in the oven at 300 °F / 150 °C until thoroughly hot.