Bistec Entomatado (Beef steak stewed in tomato based sauce)

In El Salvador we "entomatar" everything! There is no clear translation in English that I could find so I'll describe the best I can. When you hear "entomatado" or "entomatada" it means that something has been stewed in the reduction of sautéed tomatoes. These tomatoes can be accompanied by onion, green bell pepper, cilantro and garlic but the tomato reduction is what brings everything together by creating a saucy base.

Anything can be cooked in a entomatada. Huevos entomatados (Eggs stewed in sautéed tomato) are a popular choice for breakfast, any portein such as chicharrón (pork), steak or chicken can also be entomatado. And you can't forget veggies such as squash and potatoes. I enjoy all the things in a entomatada but one of my top items is a Bistec Entomatado!

Ingredients for the Bistec:

• 2 lbs of thinly slices beef

• 1 tbsp mustard

• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1/2 tbsp beef bouillon

• 1 tsp Ground pepper

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

Ingredients for the Entomatada:

• 4-6 Roma tomato

• 1/2 white or yellow onion

• 2-3 garlic cloves

• 1/4 green bell pepper

• Salt to taste

• Pepper to taste

• 1 tsp beef bouillon

• 1 tbsp preferred oil

• 1/2 cup of water or beef broth

Instructions:

1. Season the beef with all the ingredients listed and let it marinade overnight or at least an hour

2. When you're ready to cook it, medium dice the vegetables for the entomatada

3. In a sauce pan at medium heat add the oil and seer each piece of beef for 1-2 minutes on each side. Set aside.

4. In the same sauce pan add all the vegetables, 1/2 cup of water and the seasonings for the entomatada and sauté for 2 minutes.

5. Cover and let the vegetables simmer for 10 minutes at low-medium heat.

6. Uncover and finish crushing any tomato not fully reduced. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you want It a bit saucier add another 1/2 -1 cup of water and rectify the seasoning. There should be enough sauce to cover all the beef.

7. Add the beef back in, stir and cover. Let it stew for 15-20 minutes on low heat until beef is tender.

8. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5-10 mins before serving.

This is typically served with white rice and beans or a salad. I enjoy mine with plain white rice so that the sauce covers the rice with flavor. I hope you enjoy this home meal and for more recipes follow @flourishwithg on Instagram and Tiktok.