Pabellón Criollo (Venezuela)

Name: Pabellón Criollo (Venezuela)
Cook time: PT3 HoursM
Yield: Feeds 4 serving(s)

3 Hours

Feeds 4

Pabellón Criollo is Venezuela on a plate. This colourful dish brings together tender shredded beef, creamy black beans, fluffy white rice, and sweet fried plantains, all the flavours and textures you need for a comforting, satisfying meal. It’s often topped with salty cheese or paired with little arepas, making it as festive as it is filling.

Ingredients

1 lb. (450 g) beef shank

2 onions, chopped (divided)

2 red peppers, chopped (divided)

1 green pepper, chopped

4 garlic cloves, chopped (divided)

1 small bunch cilantro, chopped (divided)

1 tsp peppercorns

1 can black beans (400 g), drained and rinsed

2 tbsp tomato paste (divided)

2–3 aji dulce (or substitute with sweet mini peppers), chopped

1 plantain, peeled and sliced

1 cup long-grain white rice

Oil, for frying

Salt, to taste

Optional: salty white cheese (queso blanco) and small arepas for serving

Step 1

Place the beef shank in a pot with 1 chopped onion, 2 garlic cloves, some cilantro, and peppercorns.

Step 2

Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the meat is tender (about 1½–2 hours).

Step 3

Once cooked, remove the beef, shred it with two forks, and set aside. Reserve the cooking liquid.

Step 4

In a separate pot, sauté ½ chopped onion and 1 garlic clove with a little oil until fragrant. Add aji dulce, ½ red pepper, and some cilantro. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized.

Step 5

Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste, then add the black beans and a splash of water. Simmer until the beans are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. Season with salt and finish with fresh cilantro.

Step 6

In a large pan, sauté the remaining onion, garlic, green pepper, and ½ red pepper in oil until soft and caramelized. Add 1 tbsp tomato paste and aji dulce, stirring to develop flavour.

Step 7

Add the shredded beef and a ladle of the reserved cooking liquid. Simmer until the beef is coated in a rich sauce. Finish with fresh cilantro.

Step 8

Cook the rice. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions until fluffy.

Step 9

Heat oil in a skillet. Slice the plantain diagonally and fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and season lightly with salt.

Step 10

On each plate, serve a portion of rice, a scoop of black beans, shredded beef, and fried plantain slices. Garnish with queso blanco and small arepas if desired.