Ancho-Spiced Beef Stew

Ancho-Spiced Beef Stew

Here’s a new take on traditional Beef Stew. Slightly spicy ancho chilies add a burst of flavor to beef and hearty sweet potatoes. Perfect dish to warm up your customers on a cold winter’s day.

Yields: 6 servings   

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 lbs. beef shoulder roast boneless, cut into 1-inch pieces.
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 1 cup boiling water
• 3 Tbsp. cornmeal
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1Tbsp. ground cumin
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) spicy diced tomatoes-two cans diced chili-style tomatoes may be substituted for spicy tomatoes
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4 inch pieces.
• chopped red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. 1. 1. Remove and discard stems and seeds from chiles.  Pour boiling water over chiles in medium bowl; let stand 20 minutes or until chiles are softened. Drain chilies, reserving 1/2 cup liquid, cornmeal and 1/2 teaspoon salt in food processor container.  Cover; process until smooth. Set aside.
      2. Coat beef with cumin. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in stockpot over medium heat until hot.  Brown half of beef; remove from stockpot.  Repeat with remaining oil and beef.  Pour off drippings; return beef to stockpot.  Add tomatoes and ancho chile mixture to stockpot. Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 1-1/2 hours.
      3. Add sweet potatoes to stockpot; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and continue cooking 25 to 30 minutes or until beef and sweet potatoes are fork-tender, stirring once.
      4. Serve stew with Toppings, as desired.