Authentic home cooking from Colombia, with US measurements. 
Shredded Beef (Carne Desmechada)
Shredded beef, also known as ropa vieja or carne mechada, is a dish made with pulled beef, called 'espaldilla' here in Colombia. There are many ways to prepare it. On Colombia’s Caribbean coast, shredded beef is often served with beans, ripe plantain, white rice, and sometimes used as a filling for arepas. The beef is cooked with herbs and seasonings like garlic, cilantro, and various vegetables. After cooking, the beef is shredded and stewed with a sauté of onion, tomato, and bell pepper, using the reserved broth and red wine. Here’s my way of making carne mechada, which we call 'carne a la jardinera' because of our personal taste. I serve it with thick-cut fried potatoes, and sometimes with white rice and ripe plantain. Let’s get cooking!
Shredded Beef (Carne Desmechada)
Shredded beef, also known as ropa vieja or carne mechada, is a dish made with pulled beef, called 'espaldilla' here in Colombia. There are many ways to prepare it. On Colombia’s Caribbean coast, shredded beef is often served with beans, ripe plantain, white rice, and sometimes used as a filling for arepas. The beef is cooked with herbs and seasonings like garlic, cilantro, and various vegetables. After cooking, the beef is shredded and stewed with a sauté of onion, tomato, and bell pepper, using the reserved broth and red wine. Here’s my way of making carne mechada, which we call 'carne a la jardinera' because of our personal taste. I serve it with thick-cut fried potatoes, and sometimes with white rice and ripe plantain. Let’s get cooking!
Open in Cookpad AppSteps
- 1
Cook the beef in plenty of water with a pinch of salt, 1 handful of cilantro, 3 crushed garlic cloves, and 3 bay leaves until tender. Remove the beef from the pot and reserve the broth for later.
- 2
Let the beef cool slightly, then shred it and remove any fat if needed. Set aside.
- 3
Prepare the sauté: dice the vegetables, slice the garlic, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sauté.
- 4
Add the diced tomato and mix well.
- 5
Add the curry powder, paprika, cumin, and salt to taste. Mix well.
- 6
Add the reserved shredded beef and mix thoroughly.
- 7
Pour in the reserved broth and red wine (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Reduce the liquid until the mixture is juicy but not soupy. Turn off the heat and cover until ready to serve.
- 8
Cut the potatoes into thick pieces and fry them. Season with salt and pepper.
- 9
Serve the shredded beef with the fried potatoes. Enjoy! I hope you try this at home and let me know how it goes. From my kitchen, with love!
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