Entree: Colombia – Central Culinary Region – Sobrebarriga (Braised flank steak simmered in a savory tomato-onion sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 1 hr 45 min

Additional 10 min

Total 2 hrs 10 min

Ingredients

- 2.5 lb (1.1 kg) beef flank steak, trimmed
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced, about 8 oz (225 g)
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced, about 6 oz (170 g)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 12 g)
- 2 tbsp (30 g) tomato paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (5 g) smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp (4 g) sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp (30 g) chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Pat the flank steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the steak 3–4 minutes per side until well browned; transfer to a plate.
2. Add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil to the pot. Reduce heat to medium and add the sliced onion and red bell pepper; cook 6–8 minutes until soft and beginning to brown. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ground cumin, paprika, bay leaves, and sugar if using. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Return the seared steak to the pot, nestling it into the sauce. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 1½–2 hours, turning the steak once, until the meat is very tender and sauce is reduced. Alternatively, braise in a 325°F (160°C) oven for the same time.
5. Remove the steak and let rest 10 minutes, then slice thinly across the grain. Skim any excess fat from the sauce, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and spoon the sauce over the sliced meat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.