Beef and Potato Sofrito
17
Feb

Beef and Potato Sofrito

Today we’re sharing a recipe from Jewish Soul Food for Beef and Potato Sofrito. The term sofrito refers to a technique rather than a specific dish. First, potatoes are briefly deep-fried and then added to a pot where beef or chicken has been slowly braising. The result is a golden-brown pot roast with meltingly tender meat and potatoes that have retained their shape despite the lengthy cooking.

Constance brought this recipe for spareribs, cabbage & sauerkraut with her and continued to make it for many years.


Beef and Potato Sofrito
(Serves 6 to 8)

1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 pounds stewing beef, such as chuck or brisket, sliced or cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Dash of ground turmeric or sweet paprika
1 head of garlic, halved
½-cup boiling water, or more if needed
10 red or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges 

 

  1. Heat half of the oil in a large heavy pot or casserole over medium-high heat. Add the meat and brown on all sides. Season with salt, pepper, and turmeric.
  2. Add the garlic and boiling water, cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to the minimum, and cook for 2 hours. Add a bit of water if the liquid in the pot dries out. The idea is to cook the dish in as little liquid as possible
  3. While the meat is cooking, preheat the oven to 400° F.
  4. Arrange the potato wedges on a baking sheet, drizzle with the remaining oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  5. Roast for 15 minutes, until the potatoes are golden and crisp on the outside and partially cooked inside. 
  6. Add the potato wedges to the pot with the meat (after it has cooked for about 2 hours).
  7. Cover and simmer on the lowest heat for another hour.

Variations

  • Chicken Sofrito - substitute 10 chicken thighs and/or drumsticks for the beef.
  • Substitute the same about of unpeeled fingerlings or other very small potatoes for the potato wedges.
  • Add 6 to 8 very small, whole peeled onions together with the meat.

 

Enjoy!



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