Lengua (Beef Tongue) Stew

1 . Stage

Place beef tongue into a large pot with a tight-fitting lid and cover with water by 1 inch. Add salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until meat is tender, about 2 hours. Strain and reserve cooking liquid. Remove and discard skin from tongue. Shred meat using two forks; set aside.

2 . Stage

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Stir in onion, leek, celery, and carrots. Cook and stir until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste until no lumps remain and cook for 1 minute. Add shredded meat to the pot along with reserved broth and taco seasoning; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until vegetables are tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.