Carne en su Jugo: A Traditional Jalisco Stew
Carne en su Jugo, or “meat in its juice,” is a hearty and flavorful dish from Jalisco, Mexico. This rich and savory stew combines tender beef, bacon, beans, and a vibrant green sauce made with tomatillos and fresh cilantro. Topped with chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, this dish is often served with warm tortillas, making it perfect for family gatherings or chilly days. Its unique blend of flavors and comforting texture make it a favorite in Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Meat and Broth:
- 1 lb beef flank or chuck, thinly sliced
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup pinto beans, cooked (or canned, rinsed and drained)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Green Sauce:
- 8 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 onion
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
Toppings:
- Chopped onions
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Tortillas for serving
Directions
How to Prepare the Green Sauce:
- Boil the Tomatillos and Peppers: Begin by placing the tomatillos, jalapeño (or serrano), and half of the onion in a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the tomatillos soften, about 10 minutes. The tomatillos will turn from green to a dull yellowish color when they are ready.
- Blend the Sauce: Once the tomatillos are soft, transfer them to a blender. Add the fresh cilantro and a bit of the cooking water from the pot. Blend until smooth, adding salt to taste. Set the green sauce aside for later use.
How to Cook the Bacon and Meat:
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat. Allow the bacon to render its fat, but don’t cook it until it’s fully crispy. You want the bacon to remain slightly tender as it will add depth of flavor to the broth.
- Brown the Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the pot with the bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the beef until it begins to brown on all sides, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
Combining the Green Sauce and Broth:
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and the remaining chopped onion to the pot with the beef and bacon. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and the onions start to soften.
- Add Green Sauce and Broth: Pour the prepared green sauce and the beef broth into the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the stew to cook for 15–20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the beef become tender.
Adding the Beans:
- Stir in the Beans: Add the cooked pinto beans (or canned beans) to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate the beans into the broth. Let them heat through for about 5 minutes.
Serving the Carne en su Jugo:
- Ladle into Bowls: Once everything is well-cooked and the flavors have melded, ladle the Carne en su Jugo into serving bowls.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the stew with freshly chopped onions and cilantro. Serve with a squeeze of lime and warm tortillas on the side.
Enjoy your Carne en su Jugo, an authentic and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Jalisco to your table.
Tips for Making Carne en su Jugo
- Choosing the Meat: While flank or chuck beef is typically used for Carne en su Jugo, you can also use other cuts like brisket or round steak. Just be sure to slice the meat thinly so it cooks quickly and becomes tender in the broth.
- Adjusting the Spice Level: The jalapeño or serrano pepper in the green sauce can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, you can remove the seeds from the peppers before blending. For extra heat, leave the seeds in or add more peppers.
- Cooking Beans: If you’re using dried beans, make sure to cook them ahead of time, as they require longer cooking times. Canned beans are a convenient option for a quicker meal. Just be sure to rinse and drain them to avoid excess salt.
- Broth Options: For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef broth. If you’re short on time, store-bought beef broth works perfectly fine. You can also use chicken broth if you prefer a lighter version of the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Carne en su Jugo is traditionally served with warm corn tortillas, but you can also serve it with rice, Mexican bread, or a side of roasted vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Carne en su Jugo ahead of time?
Yes! Carne en su Jugo actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. You can prepare the dish a day in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and simply reheat it on the stove when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of bean?
While pinto beans are the traditional choice for Carne en su Jugo, you can substitute them with other beans such as black beans or kidney beans if you prefer. The texture of the beans will still complement the stew nicely.
What if I don’t have tomatillos?
If you can’t find tomatillos, you can use green tomatoes as a substitute. While they won’t provide the same tartness as tomatillos, they will still give the sauce a fresh, bright flavor. You can also try adding a little lime juice to balance the flavors.
Is this dish spicy?
The spiciness of Carne en su Jugo depends on the type and amount of chili used in the green sauce. If you’re sensitive to spice, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or serrano pepper or reduce the number of peppers. You can also add extra cilantro or a dollop of sour cream to mellow the heat.
Can I freeze Carne en su Jugo?
Yes! Carne en su Jugo can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the stew cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Can I add vegetables to the stew?
If you want to add more vegetables to your Carne en su Jugo, you can include diced carrots, potatoes, or zucchini. Just add them along with the garlic and onions, allowing them to cook until tender before adding the green sauce and broth.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a flavorful and comforting dish that captures the essence of Jalisco’s culinary traditions. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, Carne en su Jugo will be a crowd-pleaser!