Are you tired of bland, uninspiring meals that fail to excite your palate? Perhaps you’ve been searching for a dish that’s both rich in flavor and steeped in culture, yet don’t know where to start. Enter Posta Cartagenera, a traditional culinary masterpiece from Cartagena, Colombia. This iconic dish, with its tender beef and velvety black sauce, offers the perfect solution to elevate your dining experience while introducing you to the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean coast.

This dish is a hallmark of Colombian cuisine, especially on the Caribbean coast, where it’s commonly served with coconut rice, patacones (fried green plantains), and avocado. Its unique flavor comes from a combination of sweet, savory, and tangy elements, making it a crowd-pleaser for locals and visitors alike.

Posta Cartagenera Recipe

To make this flavorful dish, you’ll require:

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Ingredients

For the Marinade:

3 pounds of beef eye round, chuck roast, or similar cut
8 garlic cloves
1 large onion roughly chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar or panela
1 cup Coca-Cola
1 red bell pepper roughly chopped
2 tbsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
A splash of vegetable oil

For Cooking:

2 tbsp butter
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tomato roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Meat

Blend the garlic, onion, brown sugar, Coca-Cola, red bell pepper, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Place the beef in a large resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the meat is fully submerged.
Refrigerate for at least 12 hours or, for best results, up to 48 hours.

Prepare the Beef

Remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry. Reserve the marinade for cooking.
Heat butter and oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides until it’s evenly seared.

Cook the Dish

Add the reserved marinade, beef broth, and red wine to the pot, ensuring the beef is covered with liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, turning the meat occasionally.
Add Worcestershire sauce and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and deepen in flavor.

Final Touches

Remove the beef from the pot and let it rest before slicing it into thick pieces.
Blend the sauce to create a smooth, rich consistency, then return the sliced beef to the pot.
Simmer on low heat for another 30 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Posta Cartagenera with:

Coconut rice
Patacones (fried green plantains)
Fresh avocado slices

For a unique twist, you can also pair it with mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice.

Tips and Notes

Marinating overnight enhances the flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Use a good-quality red wine and beef broth for the best results.
If the sauce reduces too much during cooking, add a splash of water or broth to maintain its consistency.

A Taste of Cartagena at Your Table

Posta Cartagenera is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that brings the vibrant culture of Cartagena to life. Whether you’re exploring Colombian cuisine for the first time or revisiting a cherished recipe, this dish promises to deliver a rich and satisfying flavor. Give it a try and let the taste transport you to the Caribbean coast of Colombia!