Editorial sample recipeGuatemalanintermediateHalalDairy-FreeGluten-Free

Guatemalan Cobán Braised Beef With Butternut Squash

Name: Guatemalan Cobán Braised Beef With Butternut Squash
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Guatemalan
Ingredients: 1.5 lb halal beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp Cobán chile powder, or smoked paprika with a pinch of cayenne; 2 cup halal beef broth; 2 cup butternut squash, peeled and cubed; 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Tender beef braised in a fragrant Guatemalan Cobán chile and toasted seed broth with sweet butternut squash.

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 55 min
Total: 75 min

Technique to learn

Low and Slow Braising

Cooking tough cuts of meat slowly in liquid over low heat breaks down connective tissue for tender results.

Instructions

Step 1: Season beef cubes generously with salt and black pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes total. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot, cooking for 3 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 4: Stir in the Cobán chile powder and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic, then pour in the halal beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 35 minutes.

Step 6: Add the butternut squash cubes, cover again, and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the beef and squash are tender. Stir in fresh cilantro before serving.

Cooking tips

If Cobán chile powder is unavailable, blend ground chipotle with smoked paprika for a similar smoky heat.
Serve hot alongside warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Guatemalan; regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

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