Spiced Guatemalan Hilachas with Cilantro Rice

Name: Spiced Guatemalan Hilachas with Cilantro Rice
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Beef flank steak; Water; Onion, quartered; Garlic cloves, smashed; Salt; Ripe tomatoes, chopped; Onion, chopped; Bell pepper, chopped; Garlic cloves, minced; Ground cumin; Paprika; Salt and pepper; Long-grain rice; Chicken broth; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Olive oil; Salt; Fresh cilantro leaves; Lime wedges

A flavorful shredded beef stew paired with aromatic cilantro-infused rice

Hilachas is a traditional Guatemalan dish featuring tender shredded beef simmered in a savory tomato and vegetable sauce, enriched with spices. This recipe pairs it with fragrant cilantro rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

3 h
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Hilachas

Beef flank steak

1 lb

Water

4 cups

Onion, quartered

Garlic cloves, smashed

Salt

To taste

For the Tomato Sauce

Ripe tomatoes, chopped

Onion, chopped

Bell pepper, chopped

Garlic cloves, minced

Ground cumin

1 tsp

Paprika

1 tsp

Salt and pepper

To taste

For the Cilantro Rice

Long-grain rice

1 1/2 cups

Chicken broth

3 cups

Fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup

Olive oil

1 tbsp

Salt

To taste

For Garnishing

Fresh cilantro leaves

1/4 cup

Lime wedges

Preparation

Marinating the Beef

Place beef in pot

Place the beef in a large pot with water, onion, garlic, and salt.

For deeper flavor, marinate the beef overnight in the refrigerator.

Bring to a boil and simmer

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Cook until tender

Cook until the beef is tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce

Combine ingredients

In a blender, combine tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.

Ensure beef is cooled before shredding to avoid burns.

Blend until smooth

Blend until smooth.

Season sauce

Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Toast cumin seeds slightly before grinding for enhanced aroma.

Cooking Process

Shredding the Beef

Once tender, remove beef from the pot and shred using forks.

Simmering the Sauce

In a saucepan, cook the tomato mixture over medium heat for 10 minutes until thick.

Combining Everything

Add shredded beef to the sauce and simmer on low for 30 minutes.

Plating & Serving