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Ecuadorian Seco de Chivo (Goat Stew) with Yellow Rice

This hearty Ecuadorian Seco de Chivo is a flavorful goat stew simmered in a rich tomato and beer sauce, served alongside vibrant yellow rice. It's a comforting and authentic dish perfect for a family dinner.

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HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

01

Season the goat meat generously with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat the achiote oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the goat meat in batches until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the seared meat and set aside.

02

Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced red onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and dried oregano, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant.

03

Return the seared goat meat to the pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and dark beer. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 hours, or until the goat meat is very tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

04

While the stew simmers, prepare the yellow rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the long-grain rice, chicken broth, turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat.

05

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

06

Once the goat stew is tender, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. The sauce should be rich and slightly thickened.

07

Serve the Ecuadorian Seco de Chivo hot, accompanied by the yellow rice. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro.

About This Recipe

This hearty Ecuadorian Seco de Chivo is a flavorful goat stew simmered in a rich tomato and beer sauce, served alongside vibrant yellow rice. It's a comforting and authentic dish perfect for a family dinner.
Ecuadorian Seco de Chivo (Goat Stew) with Yellow Rice
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.
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♨

Chef's Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the goat meat overnight in a mixture of orange juice, cumin, and garlic. If you don't have achiote oil, you can make your own by gently heating vegetable oil with annatto seeds until the oil turns red, then straining the seeds.
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Easy Substitutions

If goat meat is unavailable, lamb shoulder or beef chuck can be used, though cooking times may vary. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the dark beer with beef broth and a splash of red wine vinegar.
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Storage & Reheating

Store leftover seco de chivo and yellow rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The stew freezes well for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of sliced avocado, a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette, or fried plantains (maduros). A sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco on top of the stew also adds a nice touch.

Common Mistakes

1. Not searing the meat: Searing creates a flavorful crust and locks in juices. 2. Not cooking the stew long enough: Goat meat needs ample time to become tender; rushing it will result in tough meat. 3. Over-stirring the rice: This can make the rice gummy. Let it cook undisturbed. 4. Not seasoning adequately: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process. 5. Using too much liquid for the rice: Stick to the 2:1 liquid to rice ratio for fluffy results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, after searing the meat and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the goat is tender.

What kind of goat meat should I use?

Look for bone-in goat shoulder or leg meat, as the bones add extra flavor to the stew. Have your butcher cut it into 2-inch pieces.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Add 1/2 teaspoon of aji amarillo paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and spices for an extra kick.
MORE TO KNOW
Seco de Chivo is a staple in Ecuadorian cuisine, often served for special occasions. The slow simmering process is key to tenderizing the goat meat and allowing the rich flavors of the tomato, beer, and spices to meld beautifully. The achiote oil not only adds a subtle earthy flavor but also gives the stew its characteristic reddish-orange hue. Don't rush the cooking process; patience will be rewarded with a deeply flavorful and tender stew.
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