Dear readers of our website: Today at Paulina Cocina, we're traveling to the Murcia region of Spain to learn about a typical Spanish dish. You'll be surprised to learn that our recipe for lean meat with tomato is also available as lean meat with tomato .
Lean pork with tomato is a classic tapas or appetizer, and there's hardly a Spanish bar where it's not common to see customers consuming a portion of this recipe.
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About lean meat with tomatoes, grandma's recipe for the holidays
Lean pork with tomato is Grandma's recipe for a tasty and comforting stew . It's popular during traditional festivals and holidays in the Murcia , such as Holy Week and the Murcia Fair. In addition to serving in homes, it's served in casetas or stands where people gather to enjoy food, music, and celebrations.
Arab influence in the birth of the lean tomato
Spanish cuisine has been influenced by different cultures throughout history, and lean meat with tomato is no exception. This dish is believed to have roots in Arab cuisine , which introduced the use of tomatoes to the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages.
The basic ingredients for preparing lean pork with tomato sauce are: lean pork (usually diced), ripe tomatoes, onion, green pepper, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices like sweet paprika. Some clearly have their origins in Arab culture.
Their presence in Spain
Magro con tomate (flat-fried pork with tomato) is a traditional, homemade dish that has been passed down from generation to generation in the Murcia region of southeastern Spain. Its origins date back to rural and peasant cuisine, where accessible and affordable ingredients were used to prepare nutritious dishes.
Lean pork with tomato is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit personal tastes. Some variations include adding carrots, potatoes, or other vegetables to enrich the stew.
Why lean or lean tomatoes?
The term "lean" refers to lean pork, that is, meat with a low fat content . This makes lean pork with tomato a healthier option compared to other pork dishes that use fattier cuts.
How do you make lean meat with tomato?
To prepare lean pork with tomato, it's important to keep a few points in mind. Start with a sauté, then add the pork, then add the tomatoes along with paprika and other spices to taste. Let it simmer for about an hour to allow the flavors to blend and the meat to tenderize.
5 tips for tender pork
- Choosing the right meat : Choose lean pork, which is a type of lean pork with no specific cut associated with it. Recommended parts of the pig are usually the loin, shoulder, or sirloin. These parts are more tender and have less fat, which contributes to a softer texture.
- Marinate the meat : Before cooking the lean meat, marinate it for a few hours or even overnight in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, spices, and herbs. This will help tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor.
- Slow cook : Lean meat with tomato sauce benefits from slow cooking over low heat. This allows the flavors to blend and the meat to gradually tenderize. Slow cooking helps break down the meat fibers, resulting in a more tender and juicy texture.
- Use moist cooking methods : You can choose to cook lean meat with tomato sauce in a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, or a covered casserole dish. These moist cooking methods allow the meat to cook slowly in its own juices, which contributes to a more tender texture.
- Adding ingredients that help tenderize meat : Some ingredients, such as vinegar, red wine, or pineapple juice, contain natural enzymes that can help tenderize meat. You can add a little of these ingredients to your lean meat with tomato recipe for a more tender texture.
Easy lean meat recipe with tomato
Lean meat stew with tomato is an easy recipe that cooks slowly, allowing the flavors to blend and the meat to gradually tenderize. Cooking time can vary depending on preferences and the desired texture. In this sense, all you need is patience to enjoy this stew.
Yield : 4 portions
Preparation time : 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 500g of diced lean pork
- 4 mature tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
How to make lean meat with tomato in 5 easy steps
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, green pepper, and garlic. Cook until tender and lightly browned.
- Add the diced lean pork and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the meat is browned all over. Then add the chopped ripe tomatoes. Mix well.
- Sprinkle the sweet paprika over the mixture and add the bay leaf. Stir to distribute the flavors. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Simmer for about 1 hour, until the meat is tender.
- For a thicker sauce, blend some of the sauce with a hand blender or stir in some of the meat pieces to break them up.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the lean meat with tomato hot, accompanied by white rice, potatoes, or bread.
