Ecuadorian FoodQuito-Style Beef Seco with Andean Blueberry Sauce, Corn Potato Patties, and Pickled Red Onion
An original Ecuadorian-inspired dish featuring beef slowly braised in a fragrant sauce of Andean blueberries, beer, and gentle spices, served with achiote-seared potato and corn patties plus pickled red onion with lime and cilantro.
Ingredients
- 800 g beef stew meat, cubed (preferiblemente espaldilla or brazuelo)
- 8 g salt (divided)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 g ground cumin
- 30 ml achiote oil (divided)
- 150 g white onion (chopped diced small)
- 12 g garlic (chopped)
- 100 g red bell pepper (chopped)
- 180 g Andean blueberry, fresh or frozen
- 240 ml lager beer
- 360 ml beef broth
- 30 g tomato paste
- 20 g cilantro (chopped, divided)
- 700 g chola or Yukon Gold potatoes (peladas and en trozos)
- 180 g corn kernels (fresh or congelado)
- 120 g fresh cheese, crumbled
- 15 g butter
- 50 g egg (lightly beaten)
- 150 g red onion (cut en pluma fina)
- 60 ml lime juice
- 4 g sugar
- 120 ml hot water (for suavizar the onion morada)
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. Season the beef with 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt, black pepper, and cumin. Let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- 2
2. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) achiote oil and brown the beef in batches for 6 to 8 minutes, until nicely colored. Remove the beef and set aside.
- 3
3. In the same pot, add the white onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute more.
- 4
4. Add the Andean blueberries, lager beer, and beef broth. Return the beef to the pot, add half of the chopped cilantro, and mix well. Once it reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 70 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the sauce is slightly thickened. Adjust with the remaining 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt if needed.
- 5
5. Meanwhile, place the potatoes in a pot with enough water and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat for 18 to 20 minutes, until very tender. Drain and mash until smooth with the butter.
- 6
6. Cook the corn kernels in boiling water for 4 minutes; drain well. Mix the corn with the mashed potatoes, fresh cheese, beaten egg, and 10 g (about 1/4 cup) of the remaining cilantro. Form 8 compact patties.
- 7
7. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) achiote oil. Brown the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until firm and golden-crusted. If you prefer to finish them in the oven, place them on a tray and bake at 400°F / 200°C for 10 minutes after searing.
- 8
8. For the pickled onion, place the red onion in a bowl and cover with the hot water for 5 minutes. Drain and toss with the lime juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the remaining cilantro and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- 9
9. Check the beef seco; if you want a thicker sauce, uncover the pot and cook 5 to 8 minutes more over medium-low heat. Lightly crush some of the berries against the pot to deepen the color and flavor.
- 10
10. Serve the beef seco hot with two corn potato patties per portion and a generous spoonful of pickled onion on top or on the side.
Chef tips
For deeper flavor, you can marinate the beef with the salt, pepper, cumin, and a little beer for 30 minutes before cooking. Do not skip browning the meat well, as it gives the sauce much of its character.
Substitutions
If you cannot find Andean blueberries, use regular blueberries with a few extra drops of lime juice. Fresh cheese can be replaced with low-moisture mozzarella or farmer's cheese. The beer can be replaced with more beef broth for an alcohol-free version.
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 imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
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
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