Ají de Fideo

Ají de Fideo is a comforting, traditional Bolivian dish that combines vibrant and spicy ají sauce with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and flavorful noodles. This hearty main course is perfect for family gatherings, highlighting Bolivia's rich culinary heritage with every bite.

Ingredients

🥩 600g-700g lean beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
🍜 6 bundles (600g-750g) wide flat noodles, lightly toasted
🥕 1 large carrot, julienned
🧅 1 medium red onion, finely diced
🌶️ 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
🌶️ Approximately 3/4 cup ají paste, Ají Amarillo base suggested
🥔 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
🫘 250g fava beans, shelled
🛢️ 1/2 cup cooking oil
💧 2.5 liters water
🧂 1.5 tablespoons salt
🌿 1 teaspoon cumin
⚫ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🌿 3 bay leaves
🍃 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
🍅 Llajwa, salsa made from fresh tomatoes and aji/locoto chilies
🍋 Fresh lemonade, lemons, water, sugar as needed

No specific brands observed.

Instructions

1- Boil Water:

• Start by bringing 2.5 liters of water to a boil in a large cooking pot.

2- Toast Noodles:

• In a frying pan, heat oil.
• Add the bundles of noodles and lightly toast them until they become golden-yellow.
• Remove from pan and set aside; ensure they are not over-toasted.

3- Prepare Meat and Vegetables:

• Cut the beef into uniform, bite-sized cubes.
• Julienne the carrot and dice the red onion and yellow bell pepper.

4- Sear Beef:

• In the same frying pan, add the beef cubes and season with salt.
• Sear the meat until it browns on all sides.

5- Combine Sear and Simmer:

• Transfer the seared beef along with its juices into the pot of boiling water.

6- Sautéing Vegetables:

• Using the same pan, add more oil if necessary.
• Sauté the julienned carrots, diced onion, and bell pepper until aromatic and slightly softened.
• Add to the pot.

7- Cook Ají Paste:

• In the same pan, cook the ají paste with cumin and black pepper for about 5 minutes until the paste darkens and thickens.

8- Mix in the Pot:

• Add the ají paste to the pot with the beef and vegetables.
• Season the broth with salt and bay leaves.

9- Add Potatoes and Noodles:

• Introduce the diced potatoes and toasted noodles to the pot.

10- Incorporate Fava Beans:
- Add the shelled fava beans to the simmering pot.

11- Simmer:
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes, ensuring all ingredients fully cook and flavors meld into a rich, creamy broth.

12- Prepare Llajwa (Salsa):
- Grind tomatoes and aji/locoto on a batan until smooth.

13- Prepare Lemonade:
- Freshly squeeze lemons into water.
- Add sugar to taste.

14- Serve:
- Ladle the Ají de Fideo into bowls.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with llajwa and lemonade.

Prep Time: 30-40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50-60 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Equipment:

• Large aluminum cooking pot
• Aluminum frying pan
• Wooden cutting board
• Knives
• Metal/wooden ladle
• Ceramic serving bowls
• Batan and mano
• Lemon squeezer
• Pitcher
• Gas stove

No specific equipment brands observed.

Cooking Tips

• Do not over-toast the noodles; they should be just golden.
• Sear the beef thoroughly for a deeper flavor profile.
• Sequentially sauté vegetables and ají paste in the same pan to enhance flavor.

#boliviancuisine #ajidefideo #traditional #spicynoodles #comfortfood #homecooking

JHON PARKER: https://www.youtube.com/@jhonparker1660

#jhonparker1660

Ají de Fideo

Posted by Waivio guest: @waivio_hivecooking