The Tuco con Fidéos
The Tuco is a sauce inspired by the italian cuisine, in the same family as the marinara sauce, although it is frequently prepared with meat. The Tuco is made with tomatoes and is very frequently served for informal family meals in South American countries such as Argentina, Uruguay and Peru.
Tuco is usually prepared to top pasta or gnocchis, and also for a rich polenta in the colder winter months. Here is this classic argentinian recipe for this dish, a sauce for pasta with tomatoes; a delight that will undoubtedly please the entire family or bring back memories of South America.
Ingredients
* 2 lb. beef stew cubes
* 2 onions
* 1/3 cup oil
* 2 cloves of garlic
* 3 bay leaves
* 1 tbsp oregano
* 2 big cans of tomatoes, drained
* 5 oz. tomato paste can
* 1 cup beef broth
* salt
* pepper
* Cayenne red pepper
* 1 package of noodles (tallarines, spaghetti or linguine)
* Grated Parmesan cheese to accompany
Procedure:
1) Pour the oil in a large pot and in it sear the meat. Once it has browned, remove from the pot and add the onions and garlic. Sauté, stirring with a wooden spoon, then add the bay leaves and oregano.
2) Add the canned tomatoes, coarsely chop them up then add the tomato puree, broth and seasonings. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and put the meat back in to simmer over low heat setting.
3) This sauce is supposed to be on the thicker side, but you can add water while simmering if it is too thick.