Peruvian Beef and Cilantro Stew

FAST: 1¼ hours
Slow: 7¾ to 8¾ hours 40 minutes active time

Seco de carne is a classic Peruvian meat and vegetable stew, and a perfect contender for cooking in an Instant Pot, either quickly under pressure or using the slow-cooker function. Fresh cilantro is a defining flavor of the dish. We blend an entire bunch of cilantro with jalapeños, a stand-in for harder-to-find Peruvian chilies, then stir in the puree at the very end so both the flavor and color remain bold and bright. Use a crisp, quaffable beer that will play nicely with the other flavors in the stew. Serve with rice and beans.

6

Servings

Tip

Don’t be afraid to use the tender stems of the cilantro, discarding only the thick, fibrous pieces. The stems contain a lot of flavor and will break down when blended.

FAST: 1¼ hours
Slow: 7¾ to 8¾ hours

40 minutes active time

Ingredients

4

tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1

medium red onion, chopped

Directions

01

On a 6-quart Instant Pot, select Normal/Medium Sauté. Heat 2 tablespoons oil until shimmering, then add the onion, bell pepper and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and beginning to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin and all but 2 tablespoons of the jalapeños; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds. Add the beer and vinegar, then scrape up any browned bits. Stir in the carrots and beef, then distribute in an even layer.

Reviews

Scott W.

Where’s the head note about the beer?

Lynn C.

Hi Scott - It's in the note under the title of the recipe. We've copied it below:

Use a crisp, quaffable beer that will play nicely with the other flavors in the stew.

Best,
The Milk Street Team

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Peruvian Beef and Cilantro Stew