Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup grated cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced red and green bell peppers, and canned diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Add the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal and water. Stir until well combined.
6. Add the cornmeal mixture to the skillet. Stir to combine.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the mixture.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 450mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Red and green bell peppers can be substituted with any color bell pepper.
- Canned diced tomatoes can be substituted with fresh diced tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add cooked black beans to the mixture for added protein.
- Top with sliced avocado and sour cream before serving.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture to prevent the cornmeal from clumping.
- Let the tacuarine cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover tacuarine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the tacuarine in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the tacuarine on a large platter with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Black beans and rice
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too dry, add more water to the cornmeal mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Tacuarine de carne is a traditional Paraguayan dish made with cornmeal and ground beef.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, slightly spicy, and cheesy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with garnishes and suggested side dishes.
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Region: Peruvian