Thoughtfully Better Primal Cuts
appy New Year, Heartland Foodies Family! We’re so glad to be back and at it for 2023; let’s make this year one of the best yet!
If you’ve ever wondered about what a primal cut is, how to cook a roast, or what makes the beef we carry at Heartland Foods so delicious, You’re in the right place! Hunker down for a second; it’s about to get stew-pendous!
So, what are primal cuts? According to the USDA, primal cuts are considered as the first cuts of meat during butchering. The major primal cuts from beef are chuck, loin, rib, and round, and it’s from here we get our more familiar steaks, chops, and roasts. Get hungry browsing our selections of beef here!
There are over 1,000 different breeds of cattle world-wide, and when grocery shopping in the U.S. you’re likely to find what’s known as a “mutt,” or a mixed breed. When breeds mix, pedigree lines are broken and that can lead to inconsistency in meat quality. With certain lineages of cattle there are quality expectations, and that’s why we choose to partner with farms like Creekstone that raise Black Angus Beef, a pedigree known for juicy marbling, consistent taste, and an incredible eating experience.
So, it’s settled: beef is on the menu. This week we will use our Beef Stew Meat, which is tender beef chuck cubes, for a trip to the other side of the world. Check out the recipe below!
appy New Year, Heartland Foodies Family! We’re so glad to be back and at it for 2023; let’s make this year one of the best yet!
If you’ve ever wondered about what a primal cut is, how to cook a roast, or what makes the beef we carry at Heartland Foods so delicious, You’re in the right place! Hunker down for a second; it’s about to get stew-pendous!
So, what are primal cuts? According to the USDA, primal cuts are considered as the first cuts of meat during butchering. The major primal cuts from beef are chuck, loin, rib, and round, and it’s from here we get our more familiar steaks, chops, and roasts. Get hungry browsing our selections of beef here!
There are over 1,000 different breeds of cattle world-wide, and when grocery shopping in the U.S. you’re likely to find what’s known as a “mutt,” or a mixed breed. When breeds mix, pedigree lines are broken and that can lead to inconsistency in meat quality. With certain lineages of cattle there are quality expectations, and that’s why we choose to partner with farms like Creekstone that raise Black Angus Beef, a pedigree known for juicy marbling, consistent taste, and an incredible eating experience.
So, it’s settled: beef is on the menu. This week we will use our Beef Stew Meat, which is tender beef chuck cubes, for a trip to the other side of the world. Check out the recipe below!
MOROCCAN BEEF AND SWEET POTATO STEW
Moroccan cuisine, strongly influenced by the flavors of the Mediterranean and Middle East, has taken the global food stage by storm with its vibrant and robust flavors. Many entrees include meats, nuts, vegetables, and dried fruits to achieve a balance of sweet and savory flavors. Dishes are then blended with aromatic spices such as cumin, ginger, turmeric, and saffron to make even the most basic dishes amazing. And since most Moroccan foods rely on whole food ingredients, they’re a great healthful choice for our families. Fragrant, hearty, and wholesome, it’s no wonder that Moroccan cuisine is touted to be one of the top food trends to watch this year.
Ingredients:
- 2-1/2 pounds beef Stew Meat, cut into 1 to 1-1/2-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 cup regular or golden raisins
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with garlic and onion
- Hot cooked couscous (optional)
- Chopped toasted almonds (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine flour, cumin, cinnamon, salt and red pepper in 3-1/2 to 5-1/2-quart slow cooker. Add beef Stew Meat, sweet potatoes and raisins; toss to coat evenly. Pour tomatoes on top. Cover and cook on HIGH 4 to 6 hours or on LOW 8 to 9 hours or until beef and potatoes are fork-tender. Season with salt.
- Cook’s Tip: For smaller slow cookers, it may be easier to combine ingredients in a separate bowl before adding to slow cooker.
- For early eaters, use no-salt added diced tomatoes. Using no-salt added diced tomatoes is a smart switch for anyone with this recipe.
ALTERNATIVE COOKING METHOD:
- This recipe can be made in a 6-quart electric pressure cooker. Place beef and tomatoes in pressure cooker. Close and lock pressure cooker lid. Use stew or high-pressure setting on cooker; program 15 minutes on cooker timer. Use quick-release feature to release pressure; carefully remove lid. Add flour, cumin, cinnamon, salt, red pepper, sweet potatoes and raisins; stir. Close and lock pressure cooker lid. Use high-pressure setting on pressure cooker; program 10 minutes on pressure cooker timer. Use quick-release feature to release pressure.
Recipe courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com
