Uruguayan Guiso Recipe

Looking to bring a touch of South America to your dinner table? This traditional Uruguayan Guiso recipe brings together hearty ingredients like sausage, beef, and vegetables in a comforting stew. A perfect dish for chilly nights or family gatherings.

Photos of Uruguayan Guiso Recipe

This recipe uses a few ingredients that may not be in your average pantry. Chorizo, a type of pork sausage popular in Spanish and Mexican cuisines, can be found in most supermarkets' meat section. Ditalini pasta, small, tube-like pasta, can be substituted with other types of small pasta if not available. Lastly, if you aren't familiar with the butternut squash, it's a type of winter squash that has a sweet, nutty taste similar to pumpkin.

Ingredients for Uruguayan Guiso Recipe

Chorizo sausage: A flavorful pork sausage used to add spice and depth to the dish.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness to the stew.

Beef chuck roast: Providing the hearty, meaty component of the stew.

Onion: Adding sweetness and tang to balance the flavors.

Leek: Enhances the flavor profile with its mild, onion-like taste.

Garlic: Brings an aromatic and flavorful kick.

Butternut squash: Adds a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the stew.

Potatoes: Contribute to the heartiness and texture of the dish.

Carrots: Add a touch of sweetness and color.

Tomato sauce: Gives the stew a rich, hearty base.

Vegetable bouillon: Amplifies the flavor profile.

Oregano: An herb that adds a hint of warmth and bitterness.

Cumin: A spice that brings warmth and earthiness.

Ditalini pasta: Small, tube-shaped pasta that adds texture and substance to the stew.

Peas: Add a pop of color and sweetness.

Lentils: Adds a nutritious and hearty element.

Parsley: Brightens up the dish and adds a fresh finish.

One reader, Kayle Olivares says:

This Uruguayan guiso recipe is a game-changer! The combination of chorizo, beef, and hearty vegetables creates a rich and comforting stew. The flavors are robust and the texture is perfect. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Kayle Olivares

Techniques Required for Uruguayan Guiso Recipe

How to brown chorizo sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo, turning occasionally and pricking each link with a fork to release some of the fat, until browned, for about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove sausages and slice when cool enough to handle. Set aside.

How to sauté beef and vegetables: Heat oil in a large pot over high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, for about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the reserved sausage slices, onion, leek, and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

How to cook the guiso stew: After adding the butternut squash, potatoes, and carrots, add water and tomato sauce. If the vegetables are not covered with liquid, add more water to cover. Then add the bouillon cube, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens, about 1 hour.

How to cook the pasta in the guiso: Add the pasta, peas, lentils, and parsley. Cook until the pasta is tender yet firm to the bite, for about 8 to 10 minutes. Add more water until the desired consistency is achieved.

How To Make Uruguayan Guiso

The Uruguayan guiso is a kind of stew popular in Uruguay. It’s made of beef chucks, chorizo sausages, a variety of vegetables, and Ditalini pasta.

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 55 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3linkschorizo sausage
2tbspolive oil
1½lbcubed beef chuck roast
1oniondiced
1leekwhite part only, chopped
4clovesgarlicminced
2cupsdiced butternut squash
2potatoesdiced, or more to taste
2carrotsdiced
3cupswateror as needed
8ozcan tomato sauce
1cubevegetable bouillon
1tbspground oregano
1tspground cumin
salt and ground black pepperto taste
2cupsDitalini pasta
1cupfrozen peasthawed
1cupcooked lentils
½cupchopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Place chorizo in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, turning occasionally and pricking each link with a fork to release some of the fat, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove sausages and slice when cool enough to handle. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large pot over high heat.
Add beef and cook until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Add reserved sausage slices, onion, leek, and garlic and saute until onion is translucent about 3 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in butternut squash, potatoes, and carrots. Add water and tomato sauce. If vegetables are not covered with liquid, add more water to cover.
Add bouillon cube, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper and bring to boil.
Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until stew thickens up, about 1 hour.
Add pasta, peas, lentils, and parsley. Cook until pasta is tender yet firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Add more water until desired consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 317.35kcal
Fat: 11.66g
Saturated Fat: 3.79g
Trans Fat: 0.14g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.00g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.33g
Carbohydrates: 32.45g
Fiber: 4.94g
Sugar: 4.05g
Protein: 21.76g
Cholesterol: 49.49mg
Sodium: 672.77mg
Calcium: 62.24mg
Potassium: 789.96mg
Iron: 4.00mg
Vitamin A: 243.62µg
Vitamin C: 21.39mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Uruguayan Guiso

When preparing the chorizo sausage, it's important to prick each link with a fork while cooking. This allows the fat to be released, enhancing the flavor of the dish. Additionally, when adding the pasta, ensure that the stew is at a low simmer. This will prevent the pasta from becoming overcooked and mushy, maintaining a firm yet tender bite. Lastly, don't forget to adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired consistency for the stew. Some prefer a thicker stew, while others may prefer it more soup-like.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Guiso

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and meat the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use a pressure cooker: Consider using a pressure cooker to significantly reduce the cooking time for the guiso.

One-pot wonder: Opt for a one-pot cooking method to minimize the number of dishes and save time on cleanup.

Frozen veggies: Utilize frozen pre-cut vegetables to skip the time-consuming step of chopping fresh produce.

Slow cooker option: Try making the guiso in a slow cooker for a convenient hands-off cooking experience.

Canned beans: Substitute cooked canned beans for the lentils to save time on cooking and preparation.

Pre-cooked meat: Use pre-cooked or leftover meat to cut down on the cooking time for the guiso.

Substitute Ingredients For Uruguayan Guiso Recipe

chorizo sausage - Substitute with spicy Italian sausage: Spicy Italian sausage can provide a similar flavor profile and texture to chorizo sausage in the guiso recipe.
cubed beef chuck roast - Substitute with lamb shoulder: Lamb shoulder can be used as a substitute for beef chuck roast, providing a rich and flavorful alternative.
butternut squash - Substitute with acorn squash: Acorn squash can be used as a substitute for butternut squash, offering a similar sweet and nutty flavor.
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for regular potatoes, adding a hint of sweetness to the dish.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips can be used as a substitute for carrots, providing a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor.
ditalini pasta - Substitute with elbow macaroni: Elbow macaroni can be used as a substitute for ditalini pasta, offering a similar small and tubular shape.
frozen peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame can be used as a substitute for frozen peas, providing a similar pop of green color and texture.
cooked lentils - Substitute with canned black beans: Canned black beans can be used as a substitute for cooked lentils, offering a hearty and protein-rich alternative.

Presenting Uruguayan Guiso

Elevate the plating: Carefully arrange the stew in a shallow bowl, ensuring that each ingredient is visible and well-distributed. The presentation should be visually appealing and showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly chopped parsley over the top of the guiso. This not only adds a pop of color but also infuses the dish with a fresh, aromatic flavor.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Before serving, drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the guiso. This adds a luxurious sheen to the dish and imparts a rich, fruity flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Serve with crusty bread: Accompany the guiso with slices of warm, crusty bread on the side. This allows guests to soak up the flavorful broth and savor every last bit of the hearty stew.
Use elegant tableware: Present the guiso in elegant, earthenware bowls or porcelain dishes to create a sophisticated and refined dining experience for the judges.

Essential Tools for Making Guiso

Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and browning ingredients.
Large pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, stewing, and simmering larger quantities of food.
Wooden spoon: A sturdy spoon made of wood, used for stirring, mixing, and tasting dishes.
Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting hot items.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
Skimmer: A utensil with a perforated surface used for removing foam or impurities from liquids.
Ladle: A deep-bowled spoon with a long handle, used for serving soups, stews, and sauces.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used for draining liquids from food.
Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting food.

Storing and Freezing Uruguayan Guiso

Allow the guiso to cool completely before storing or freezing.
For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled guiso to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
When ready to reheat, place the desired portion in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency.
For freezing, transfer the cooled guiso to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
The guiso can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat from frozen, you can either thaw the guiso overnight in the refrigerator or place the frozen container in a bowl of warm water to speed up the thawing process.
Once thawed, reheat the guiso in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little extra water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
If you plan on freezing the guiso, it's best to undercook the pasta slightly, as it will continue to soften when reheated.
Consider freezing the guiso in individual portions for quick and easy meals later on.

How To Reheat Leftover Uruguayan Guiso

Stovetop method: transfer the leftover guiso to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out. Heat until the guiso is warmed through and the vegetables and meat are tender.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of guiso in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters and help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the guiso is heated through. Adjust the time based on the quantity of guiso and the power of your microwave.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the guiso to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the guiso is heated through and the vegetables and meat are tender. Stir the guiso halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large quantity of leftover guiso, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the guiso to the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Cover and let the guiso reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through and the vegetables and meat are tender.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the guiso and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may find that the flavors have intensified or mellowed during storage, so adding a pinch of salt, pepper, or fresh herbs can help revive the dish. If the guiso seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to moisten it.

Random Fact about Uruguayan Guiso Recipe:

The Uruguayan guiso recipe is a traditional stew that combines the rich flavors of chorizo, beef, and a variety of vegetables. This hearty dish is a staple in Uruguayan cuisine and is often enjoyed during the colder months. The combination of butternut squash, potatoes, and carrots adds a unique sweetness to the stew, while the addition of pasta and lentils provides a satisfying and filling meal. The use of chorizo sausage infuses the dish with a rich, smoky flavor, adding depth to the overall taste. This dish is a perfect example of the comforting and wholesome nature of Uruguayan cuisine.

Is Making Guiso at Home Economical?

The cost-effectiveness of this Uruguayan guiso recipe is quite high, as it utilizes affordable and readily available ingredients such as chorizo sausage, beef chuck roast, butternut squash, and potatoes. This hearty stew can feed a family of four at an approximate cost of $20, making it a budget-friendly option. The rich flavors and nutritional value of the dish make it a great choice for a satisfying and economical meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is Uruguayan Guiso Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Uruguayan guiso recipe contains a mix of healthy and less healthy ingredients. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-dense vegetables like butternut squash, potatoes, carrots, and peas, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The addition of lentils and lean beef chuck roast adds protein to the dish. However, the recipe also includes less healthy components such as chorizo sausage, which is high in saturated fat and sodium, and the use of bouillon cubes, which can also contribute to a higher sodium content.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the chorizo sausage with a leaner protein source like chicken or turkey sausage, or omit it altogether to reduce the saturated fat and sodium content
Use low-sodium tomato sauce and bouillon cubes, or replace the bouillon with homemade vegetable or beef stock to control the sodium levels
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the recipe to boost the nutrient density and fiber content
Opt for whole grain pasta instead of regular ditalini to increase the fiber and complex carbohydrates in the dish
Trim any visible fat from the beef chuck roast to reduce the overall fat content
Use a moderate amount of olive oil for sautéing, as it is a healthier fat option

Editor's Thoughts on This Traditional Uruguayan Dish

The Uruguayan guiso recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that beautifully combines the richness of chorizo and beef with the sweetness of butternut squash and the earthiness of lentils. The addition of pasta and vegetables adds a delightful texture and depth to the stew. The use of oregano and cumin infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavors, while the parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note. Overall, this recipe offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, making it a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Enhance Your Uruguayan Guiso Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: A warm and crispy garlic bread would be the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious flavors of the guiso.

Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, would add a burst of freshness to the hearty guiso.

Cornbread: A slice of moist and buttery cornbread would complement the savory and comforting flavors of the uruguayan guiso.

Green Salad: A refreshing green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and avocado would provide a light and crisp contrast to the rich and hearty guiso.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Uruguayan Guiso

Argentinian Empanadas: These savory pastries are filled with a delicious mixture of ground beef, onions, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. Serve them as an appetizer or a main dish with a side salad.

Brazilian Feijoada: This hearty stew is made with black beans, pork, and sausage, simmered with onions, garlic, and spices. It's traditionally served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices for a burst of flavor.

Peruvian Ceviche: This refreshing seafood dish features raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, chili peppers, and cilantro. Serve it with sweet potato and corn for a traditional Peruvian twist.

Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Uruguayan Guiso

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant caprese skewers, featuring fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze. A refreshing and colorful starter for any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

Why trust this Uruguayan Guiso Recipe:

This recipe is a true taste of Uruguayan cuisine. The combination of chorizo sausage and cubed beef chuck roast creates a rich and hearty flavor. The addition of butternut squash, potatoes, and carrots adds a delightful sweetness and texture. The use of tomato sauce and vegetable bouillon infuses the stew with savory depth. The inclusion of ditalini pasta, peas, and lentils makes it a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe is a reflection of authentic Uruguayan guiso and is sure to impress with its robust flavors and comforting appeal.

Share your thoughts on this Uruguayan Guiso recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to share!

FAQ:

What type of sausage can I use as a substitute for chorizo?

You can use any spicy or smoked sausage as a substitute for chorizo. Andouille sausage or spicy Italian sausage would work well in this recipe.

Can I use a different type of pasta in the guiso?

Yes, you can use any small pasta shape such as macaroni, small shells, or elbow pasta if you don't have ditalini on hand.

Can I make this guiso ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors tend to develop even more if you make it ahead of time. Simply reheat it gently on the stove when you're ready to serve.

Can I freeze the guiso?

Yes, you can freeze the guiso. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It should keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I omit the meat and make a vegetarian version of this guiso?

Of course! You can omit the meat and double up on the vegetables, or add more lentils and beans for a hearty vegetarian version. Just adjust the seasoning to taste.