Olla de Carne

Name: Olla de Carne
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 125 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Costa Rican
Ingredients: 1kg beef short ribs or stew meat; 500g yuca, peeled and chunked; 2 chayotes, peeled and quartered; 3 ears corn, halved; 2 green plantains, peeled and chunked; 3 potatoes, peeled and quartered; 300g ayote (local squash) or butternut squash, chunked; 2 onions, quartered; 4 cloves garlic; 1 bunch cilantro; 2 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper

Olla de Carne (OH-yah deh KAR-neh)

Costa Rican Beef and Vegetable Stew

⏱ Prep Time 20 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 480 kcal

A massive, nourishing pot of beef stew loaded with yuca, chayote, corn, plantain, potatoes, and local squash, simmered for hours in a clear, aromatic broth.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 32.0g

Carbs 52.0g

Fat 16.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

very large pot cutting board sharp knife

Presentation Guide

Vessel: large deep bowl

Garnishes: cilantro, lime wedges

Accompaniments: white rice, corn tortillas

Ingredients

1kg beef short ribs or stew meat
500g yuca, peeled and chunked
2 chayotes, peeled and quartered
3 ears corn, halved
2 green plantains, peeled and chunked
3 potatoes, peeled and quartered
300g ayote (local squash) or butternut squash, chunked
2 onions, quartered
4 cloves garlic
1 bunch cilantro
2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper

Instructions

1
Bring 3L of water to a boil. Add beef, onion, garlic, and cumin. Simmer 1 hour, skimming foam.
2
Add yuca and green plantain. Cook 20 min.
3
Add chayote, potatoes, squash, and corn. Simmer 25 min until all vegetables are tender.
4
Season generously with salt and pepper. Add chopped cilantro.
5
Serve in deep bowls with broth, meat, and an assortment of vegetables. Accompany with rice.

💡

Did You Know?

Costa Rican families judge a cook by their olla de carne — the variety and tenderness of vegetables is a point of pride.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

very large pot
cutting board
sharp knife

Garnishing

cilantro, lime wedges

Accompaniments

white rice, corn tortillas

The Story Behind Olla de Carne

Olla de carne is Costa Rica's quintessential Sunday family meal, a slow-simmered beef stew that showcases the country's incredible vegetable diversity. The dish reflects indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean influences through its combination of root vegetables, squash, and plantains. Every family has their own version, but the principle remains: the more vegetables, the better the cook.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed sunday lunch 📜 Origins: Colonial era

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