Slow Cooker Lengua: Tender and Flavorful Beef Tongue

Slow Cooker Lengua, also known as beef tongue, is a tender and flavorful dish that is popular in Mexican and American cuisine. This recipe takes advantage of the slow cooker, allowing the tongue to cook slowly and become incredibly tender. The flavors of the tongue are enhanced with a rich and savory sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. Serve this dish with warm corn tortillas and fresh toppings for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 beef tongues
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

1. Rinse the beef tongues under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tongues on all sides until browned.
3. Transfer the beef tongues to a slow cooker.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
6. Pour the tomato mixture over the beef tongues in the slow cooker.
7. Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker, ensuring that the tongues are fully submerged in the liquid.
8. Cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high heat for 4 hours, until the tongues are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
9. Once cooked, remove the beef tongues from the slow cooker and let them cool slightly.
10. Peel off the tough outer layer of the tongues and discard.
11. Slice the tongue into thin pieces.
12. Return the sliced tongue to the slow cooker and stir well to coat with the sauce.
13. Let the tongue simmer in the sauce for an additional 30 minutes on low heat.
14. Serve the Slow Cooker Lengua with warm corn tortillas and your choice of toppings, such as chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.

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