Last updated on September 24th, 2023 at 01:25 pm
Panamanian Lengua Guisada, or stewed beef tongue, is a traditional dish that is popular in Panamanian cuisine. Tender and flavorful beef tongue is achieved through a slow cooking process involving vegetables and spices.
Lengua Guisada was first prepared by indigenous Panamanians who subsisted on the meat of wild animals. Over time, the dish changed as new ingredients and cooking methods were introduced to the region by the likes of the Spanish conquistadors and African slaves. Lengua Guisada is a traditional dish in Panama that has come to symbolize the country’s rich history and traditions.
When served as a main course, Lengua Guisada is often served with rice, beans, and fried plantains. It is a traditional dish served in many Panamanian homes, restaurants, and street carts, and it is frequently featured at festive gatherings.
The process of making Lengua Guisada takes a long time and calls for careful attention to detail. To prepare beef tongue for cooking, it is first cleaned and boiled until it is tender. Then, after being peeled and cut into small pieces, it is thrown into a pot with other ingredients like onions, garlic, and bell peppers. To let the flavors develop and the meat to cook thoroughly, the mixture is simmered for several hours after being seasoned with spices like cumin, oregano, and bay leaves.
Lengua Guisada is a dish that exemplifies Panama’s rich history and diverse culture. The distinctive aroma and chewy consistency of this dish have made it a staple in the national cuisine for generations.
Panamanian Lengua Guisada: A Delicious Beef Tongue Stew
Panamanian cuisine is a wonderful mix of African, Caribbean, and Latin American flavors. One of the most popular dishes in Panama is Lengua Guisada, a beef tongue stew that is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. The dish is often served with white rice, beans, and sweet plantains, and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
3 Reasons People Love Panamanian Lengua Guisada
1. Flavorful and satisfying taste: Panamanian Lengua Guisada is a savory and hearty dish that is bursting with flavor. The tongue (lengua) is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth with spices and vegetables until it becomes tender and succulent. The result is a rich and satisfying dish that is loved by many.
2. Cultural significance: Panamanian Lengua Guisada is an important part of Panamanian cuisine and culture. It is a traditional dish that has been passed down from generation to generation and is often served at special occasions and family gatherings. Eating Lengua Guisada can bring a sense of nostalgia and connection to Panamanian heritage.
3. Nutritional benefits: Lengua (tongue) is a good source of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients. It is also relatively low in fat and calories compared to other meats, making it a healthier option for those who are watching their diet. Additionally, the vegetables and spices used in the dish provide additional nutritional benefits, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
How To Make Our Panamanian Lengua Guisada Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 8):
2 pounds beef tongue, sliced
1 onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tomatoes, diced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
1. Clean the beef tongue by rinsing it under cold water and removing any excess fat or gristle.
2. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the beef tongue and boil for 5 minutes.
3. Drain the water and rinse the beef tongue under cold water.
4. In the same pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, cumin, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
6. Add the beef tongue to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
8. When the beef tongue is tender, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly.
9. Slice the beef tongue into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.
10. Serve the Lengua Guisada hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a side of white rice, beans, and sweet plantains.
Nutritional Values for One Serving of Panamanian Lengua Guisada (Beef Tongue):
Calories: 387
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 165mg
Sodium: 647mg
Potassium: 695mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
List of Pots, Pans and Cooking Equipment:
A large pot or Dutch oven to cook the beef tongue.
A small pot to boil the beef tongue.
A skillet to sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers.
A sharp knife to slice the beef tongue.
Best way to Store Panamanian Lengua Guisada:
If you have leftovers of Panamanian Lengua Guisada, the best way to store them is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The stew will keep for up to three days. If you want to freeze the stew, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. The stew will keep for up to three months in the freezer.
Possible Substitutions for Ingredients for Panamanian Lengua Guisada:
If you’re unable to find some of the ingredients needed to make Panamanian Lengua Guisada, there are a few substitutions you can make. Here are some of the most common substitutions:
Beef broth or chicken broth can be used instead of water.
You can use any type of onion instead of white onions.
If you don’t have fresh bell peppers, you can use canned or frozen peppers.
You can use canned or frozen tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.
Ingredients to Substitute for a Vegetarian version of Panamanian Lengua Guisada:
If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of Panamanian Lengua Guisada, you can substitute the beef tongue with mushrooms or seitan. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
2 cups of sliced mushrooms or seitan
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 cups of vegetable broth
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Tips and Tricks for Easier Creations of the Recipe
Use a pressure cooker to cook the beef tongue. It will cook faster and be more tender.
If you’re short on time, you can use canned beef tongue instead of cooking it from scratch.
Make sure to slice the beef tongue thinly against the grain to make it more tender.
You can add potatoes or carrots to the stew to make it more filling.
Possible Side Dishes and Desserts to serve with Panamanian Lengua Guisada
Panamanian Lengua Guisada pairs well with rice, beans, and salad. Here are a few other side dishes and desserts you can serve:
Fried plantains
Sweet cornbread
Tres Leches Cake
Flan
FAQs About Panamanian Lengua Guisada
1. What is Lengua Guisada?
Lengua Guisada is a traditional Panamanian dish made with beef tongue that is cooked in a savory sauce with vegetables.
2. How do I clean a beef tongue?
To clean a beef tongue, you will want to remove any excess fat and cut off the tip. Then, place the beef tongue in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef tongue is tender.
3. What kind of vegetables are used in Lengua Guisada?
In Lengua Guisada, red and green bell peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes are commonly used.
4. Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef tongue?
While beef tongue is the traditional protein used in Lengua Guisada, you can use chicken or pork if you prefer.
5. What can I serve with Lengua Guisada?
Lengua Guisada is often served with rice, beans, or plantains. A fresh salad or coleslaw can also be a great accompaniment.
Panamanian Lengua Guisada is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family meal. By following the simple instructions above, you can easily make this traditional Panamanian dish at home.
Panamanian Lengua Guisada
Equipment
- A large pot or Dutch oven to cook the beef tongue
- A small pot to boil the beef tongue
- A skillet to sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers
- A sharp knife to slice the beef tongue
Ingredients
Lengua Guisada - Beef Tongue
- 2 lbs beef tongue sliced
- 1 onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tomatoes diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
Lengua Guisada - Vegetarian Version
- 2 cups mushrooms or seitan sliced
- 1 onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Clean the beef tongue by rinsing it under cold water and removing any excess fat or gristle.
- In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the beef tongue and boil for 5 minutes.
- Drain the water and rinse the beef tongue under cold water.
- In the same pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, cumin, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
- Add the beef tongue to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- When the beef tongue is tender, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly.
- Slice the beef tongue into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.
- Serve the Lengua Guisada hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a side of white rice, beans, and sweet plantains.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
▣ Use a pressure cooker to cook the beef tongue. It will cook faster and be more tender. ▣ If you're short on time, you can use canned beef tongue instead of cooking it from scratch. ▣ Make sure to slice the beef tongue thinly against the grain to make it more tender. ▣ You can add potatoes or carrots to the stew to make it more filling.Nutrition
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