This Portuguese Beef Stew brings together tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich blend of spices, creating a dish that is both comforting and full of flavor. The red wine and savory herbs deepen the flavor, making each bite an irresistible experience.
Perfect for chilly evenings, this stew is a great way to nourish your body while satisfying your taste buds. With simple ingredients like beef, potatoes, carrots, and olives, you can make this dish your own by adjusting the seasoning or adding your favorite ingredients. It’s an excellent option for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week!
Full Recipe:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
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1 large onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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2 cups beef broth
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
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1/2 cup red wine
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1 bay leaf
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Salt and pepper to taste
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4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
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2 cups carrots, chopped
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/4 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
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2 tablespoons white vinegar
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown beef stew meat in batches, removing to a plate once browned.
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In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in oregano, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, and cook for an additional minute.
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Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, red wine, and add bay leaf. Return the beef to the pot.
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Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
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Add potatoes and carrots to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for another 30-40 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
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Remove the bay leaf and stir in parsley, olives, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 325 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Mom’s Portuguese Beef Stew
Mom’s Portuguese Beef Stew is a traditional dish that embodies the rich, flavorful, and hearty nature of Portuguese home cooking. With tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a savory blend of spices, vegetables, and aromatic ingredients, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. Known for its robust flavor, the Portuguese Beef Stew is often passed down through generations, a cherished family recipe that carries the essence of Portuguese culinary traditions. It’s a dish that is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or when you’re craving something that fills your home with warmth and wonderful scents.
The Cultural Significance of Portuguese Beef Stew
Portugal, with its long and storied history of maritime exploration and diverse regional influences, has developed a rich culinary heritage that includes a variety of comforting stews, soups, and roasts. Portuguese cuisine is known for its bold flavors, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and spices that give depth and complexity to every dish. The Portuguese Beef Stew is no exception—it is a reflection of the country’s agricultural roots, where beef, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables are staples of everyday meals.
This dish, often served during colder months or for special family gatherings, is made in a way that allows the flavors to meld beautifully, with the beef becoming tender and infused with the spices. Portuguese beef stew is sometimes referred to as “Carne de Vaca Estufada” in Portuguese, which translates to “braised beef,” and it is an essential comfort food in the country.
A Hearty, Flavorful Dish: What Makes Portuguese Beef Stew Unique?
One of the most defining characteristics of this dish is the way it brings together simple ingredients that transform into something extraordinary. The stew is cooked slowly, allowing the beef to break down and become melt-in-your-mouth tender. The use of red wine and beef broth enhances the richness of the stew, while the addition of bay leaves, garlic, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, cumin, and paprika introduces a depth of flavor that is signature to Portuguese cooking.
The slow-cooking process also allows the vegetables—typically potatoes, carrots, and sometimes olives—to absorb the savory broth, creating a rich, hearty base that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef. While some variations of the stew may include additional ingredients, such as tomatoes or green peppers, the foundational elements remain the same. It’s a one-pot meal that brings comfort and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Historical Context: The Roots of Portuguese Beef Stew
The Portuguese Beef Stew can be traced back to Portugal’s rural and agrarian roots. For centuries, the Portuguese have relied on beef and other meats as key protein sources, often slow-cooked to enhance flavor and tenderness. With its blend of ingredients that come from the land, like root vegetables and herbs, this dish is a symbol of Portuguese family cooking and tradition.
In many Portuguese homes, stews like this one are seen as a symbol of hospitality and warmth. They are prepared for family gatherings, festivals, and community meals, where the food is meant to be shared. The act of preparing such a dish is not just about cooking; it’s about bringing people together, offering sustenance, and creating memories around the dinner table.
Variations of Portuguese Beef Stew
Though the traditional Portuguese Beef Stew recipe is deeply rooted in family traditions, there are many regional variations across Portugal, each adding its own twist. Some variations might include different vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, which add sweetness and earthiness to the dish. Other versions might feature a more prominent use of tomatoes or incorporate different types of red wine, adding subtle variations in flavor.
In some regions, particularly along the Portuguese coast, seafood is often substituted for beef, as fresh fish and shellfish are more accessible. In these areas, seafood stews with similar techniques and spices are a common alternative. However, the core principles remain the same—slow cooking, rich flavors, and the use of simple, fresh ingredients.
Additionally, some cooks like to experiment with the inclusion of unique herbs and spices to give the dish a personal touch. A little extra touch of parsley, thyme, or even a dash of chili pepper can offer a unique spin, though the classic Portuguese Beef Stew maintains its simplicity and comfort.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Portuguese Beef Stew is a hearty dish that is perfect for serving with rustic sides. One of the most traditional ways to serve it is with a side of crusty bread, which can be used to soak up the delicious stew juices. The bread serves as the perfect accompaniment to the rich and savory flavors of the stew, allowing the dish to shine.
Another great side is a simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette, providing a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the stew. Roasted or steamed vegetables also pair wonderfully with Portuguese Beef Stew, adding a variety of textures and flavors. If you want to create a more elaborate meal, consider pairing the stew with a glass of Portuguese red wine, such as a rich and full-bodied wine from the Douro Valley, which complements the flavors of the dish beautifully.
For those seeking to make the meal lighter, a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale works wonderfully. The bitterness of the greens cuts through the richness of the beef stew, providing a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Portuguese Beef Stew
To make the best Portuguese Beef Stew, it’s important to use good-quality beef that will hold up to the long cooking process. Chuck roast or stew meat are ideal cuts, as they have enough fat and marbling to stay tender and flavorful when cooked for a prolonged period.
It’s also crucial to let the stew cook slowly. If possible, use a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot that can maintain even heat and allow for a slow simmer. This slow cooking helps the beef become tender and ensures the flavors have time to meld together. If you’re short on time, using a slow cooker is another great option to get the same delicious results.
Another important tip is not to rush the browning of the beef. Taking the time to brown the meat before adding the liquid adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the stew. The more time you spend on this step, the more complex the flavors will be.
Conclusion: A Dish That Brings People Together
Mom’s Portuguese Beef Stew is more than just a meal—it’s a piece of history, a symbol of comfort, and a celebration of flavors. Whether it’s being served at a family gathering or enjoyed on a cozy evening at home, this dish captures the essence of Portuguese cooking. Its rich flavors, tender beef, and hearty vegetables make it the perfect comfort food, while its cultural significance adds a layer of depth to every bite.
As you prepare this stew in your kitchen, you’re not just recreating a recipe—you’re embracing a tradition that has been passed down through generations. This dish has the power to bring people together, create lasting memories, and offer the warmth and nourishment we all seek. So, gather your loved ones, cook up this delicious Portuguese Beef Stew, and enjoy the flavors of Portugal, right in your own home.