| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 hours 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 536 | 14g | 4g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 3g | 38g | 1.28g |
Why I Love Colombian Old Clothes
From deep within the flavour-packed cuisine of Colombia, comes a dish that bears an unusual name, yet is irresistibly delicious – the Old Clothes. This savory dish, renowned for its vibrant and stimulating flavours, has etched its mark in my repertoire of much-loved foods.
The Evolution of My Love for Old Clothes
My passion for this dish may seem unusual, growing up in Louisiana, and having French ancestry; this might sound as an unlikely love affair. However, being a part of the culinary world has taught me the beauty of exploring diverse tastes, and Old Clothes has been one such delightful discovery. The mingling of rich Colombian flavours blended with core ingredients often found in Creole and French cuisine makes the dish irresistible for me. Just like the sweetness of beignets and sophistication of éclairs, the striking settings of Old Clothes impresses your palate.
A Dish Steeped in Heritage
Old Clothes is a Colombian indulgence that holds its roots deep into the lifestyle and culture of Colombia. If I had to describe this dish, I’d say it’s a salsa-infused counterpart of a ‘Pot-au-feu’. Drawing inspiration from the Colombian chef Guillermo Mauricio Rodríguez, with this dish, I was able to recreate his intricate layerings of flavours with my indigenous ingredients, thus formulating my version of the recipe.
The combination of flank steak, choice vegetables, and an aromatic array of spices comes together in a dance of heavenly flavours, while the addition of white wine elevates the taste to a whole new level. No doubt, these elements resonate with my Creole-French flavour library, providing me with a unique twist on the original. Often, I like to serve this scrumptious dish alongside lightly toasted garlic bread or pair it with a light, fresh salad, to bring balance to the hearty, rich flavours of the main dish.
If you’re seeking a culinary adventure that strums chords of richness and radiance, then Old Clothes is the dish for you. Its spectrum of vibrant colours and diversified flavours will weave a beautiful story of wonder on your plate, enticing you to take a mouthful of this Colombian masterpiece.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of flank steak
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup of tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups of water
- 1tablespoon salt
- 1 cup of dry white wine
- 6 cups of white rice, cooked
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Method
Step One:
To begin with, salt the flank steak on all sides. Then, get a large pot and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the flank steak and brown it on all sides. This should take roughly around 10 minutes.
Step Two:
Next, add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté them with the meat until the onions become translucent. This should take approximately 10 minutes.
Step Three:
Once the veggies are done, add the tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, dried oregano, bay leaf, ground black pepper, and water to the pot. Bring the contents of the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and let it simmer. You need to cook the steak until it is tender which may take about 2 hours.
Step Four:
After this, remove the steak from the pot and let it cool down a bit. Keep the pot simmering over low heat. Once the steak has cooled down enough to handle, shred it using two forks.
Step Five:
Return the shredded steak to the pot and add the dry white wine. Stir everything together and continue simmering the mix until the liquid has reduced by half. This should take approximately 30 minutes. Then, taste the mixture and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Step Six:
After that, serve the shredded beef mixture over the white rice. You can garnish each serving with the chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Your Old Clothes meal is now ready to enjoy!
