Lengua Estofado
Lengua Estofado is a hearty ox tongue stew braised in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms and potatoes. It takes a few hours to make, but the melt-in-your-mouth tender meat and flavorful sauce are worth the wait. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
- Prep time
- 20 min
- Cook time
- 5 hr
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
- 3 lb beef tongue
- water
- 1 small onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 head garlic, peeled and crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp pepper corns
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1/4 cup canola
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick
- 1 can (4 ounces) button mushrooms, drained
- 1 small onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 clove garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup reserved broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
In a deep pot over medium heat, combine beef tongue and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil for about 10 to 15 minutes, skimming scum that may float to top. Drain tongue and rinse well. Discard liquid and wash pot.
- 2
Return tongue to pot and add enough water to cover. Add onions, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Over medium heat, bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 4 to 5 hours or until meat is fork-tender. Add more water as needed.
- 3
Drain the cooked tongue from liquid, reserving 1 cup of the broth. Strain and discard aromatics.
- 4
Allow tongue to slightly cool and refrigerate for about 1 to 2 hours or until completely cooled. Peel the skin and cut meat diagonally into 1/2-inch slices.
- 5
In a skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add potatoes and cook until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
- 6
Remove excess oil from the pan except for about 2 tablespoons. Add mushrooms and cook for about 1 minute. Remove from pan and set aside.
- 7
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic and cook until softened.
- 8
Add tongue and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes or until lightly browned.
- 9
Add tomato sauce, reserved broth, and soy sauce, stirring well to combine. Bring to a boil.
- 10
Lower heat, cover, and continue to cook for about 10 to 15 minutes or until sauce is slightly reduced.
- 11
Add sugar and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 12
Add potatoes and mushrooms and continue to cook until tender and sauce is thickened. Serve hot.