Peruvian Beef Stew (Seco de Carne)

My spin on a traditional beef stew with tender chunks of beef and vegetable in a savory cilantro and ají panca gravy.

Prep time: PT15M

Cook time: PT90M

Total time: PT105M

Rating

5 stars (5 reviews)

Peruvian beef stew, seco de carne

1 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound lean beef, cubed (see Ingredients in Post)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1/4 cup flour (see Ingredients in Post)
1 cup beer or chicha (see Ingredients in Post)
1 bunch cilantro (chopped at the base of the leaves)
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons ají panca paste (see Ingredients in Post)
2 small sweet potatoes, cut in chunks
2 large potatoes, cut in chunks
1 cup fresh or frozen peas (add fresh peas 7 minutes before serving, and frozen about 4 minutes before serving)
sea salt and fresh ground pepper (to taste)

Add vegetable oil to a Dutch oven over high heat. When the pan begins to smoke, add the cubed beef. Brown the beef.
Combine cilantro with 1 cup of beef broth in a blender. Set aside
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped red onion, cumin, ají panca paste, and garlic. Stir 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Add the flour, and sweet and regular potatoes. Stir an additional 2-3 minutes to toast the flour.
First de-glaze the pot with the beer. Let it reduce slightly, then stir in the cilantro-beef broth mixture. Add the beef back into the pot. Cover, and simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. If the stew looks dry, add a little more liquid.
Add the peas to the stew. If using fresh peas, they require 5-7 minutes. If using frozen peas, they really just need to thaw and get warmed up.
Ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro as desired. Enjoy!

Alan on 2025-12-24 (5 stars):
I really appreciate the lengths the author went to in order to be thorough and make it extremely easy for a nooooooooob like me.
Healthy World Cuisine on 2023-01-06 (5 stars):
Love the addition of beer and sweet potatoes to your delicious beef stew. Just what we are craving on a cooler day.