Cozido: A Hearty Portuguese Delight
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Description:
Dive into the flavors of Portugal with this delightful Cozido, a traditional Portuguese stew brimming with an assortment of meats and vegetables. Perfect for a cozy brunch or a hearty dinner, this dish is a true representation of European comfort food. Ideal for a family gathering or a special occasion, Cozido brings together savory sausages, tender meats, and wholesome vegetables in a single pot. Enjoy the rich taste and the comforting aroma of this classic recipe from lovewithrecipes.com.
Ingredients:
- 2 Portuguese sausages (chorizo or linguiça)
- 1 blood sausage (morcela)
- 8 oz lean bacon, cut into pieces
- 1 lb flank steak, cut into chunks
- 8 cups water
- 8 oz salt pork (optional)
- 12 whole black peppercorns
- 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 1 bunch fresh parsley (or 2 sprigs fresh mint as an alternative)
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large turnip, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 small cabbage, cut into wedges
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meat:
Begin by placing all the meat components—flank steak, bacon, and sausages—into a large stock pot. Pour in the water, ensuring that the meat is fully covered. Bring the pot to a vigorous boil, then carefully remove any scum that rises to the surface. This step is crucial for achieving a clear and clean broth. -
Add Aromatics and Simmer:
Once the scum has been removed, incorporate the salt, whole black peppercorns, quartered onion, crushed garlic, fresh parsley (or mint if using), bay leaves, and whole cloves into the pot. Stir well to distribute the flavors. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 90 minutes. After about 40 minutes, check the sausages. When they are cooked through, remove them from the pot and keep them warm. -
Monitor Meat Doneness:
Throughout the simmering process, periodically check the remaining meat for doneness, as not all cuts may require the full 90 minutes. Once cooked, remove the meat from the pot and keep it warm. Continue to remove any scum that surfaces and skim off excess fat as needed to keep the broth clear. -
Cook the Vegetables:
After all the meat has been removed, add the sweet potatoes, turnip, cabbage, carrots, and collard greens (if using) to the pot. If the broth has reduced too much, add additional water to ensure that the vegetables are adequately covered. Taste the broth and adjust the salt if necessary. -
Simmer the Vegetables:
Cover the pot and cook the vegetables over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. If any vegetables cook faster than others, remove them from the pot and keep them warm until all are done. -
Serve:
Once all the vegetables are tender, cut both the meat and vegetables into serving-sized pieces. Arrange them on individual soup plates or a large serving platter. Drizzle some of the flavorful broth over the meat and vegetables. Serve immediately, offering additional broth on the side if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1032.5
- Fat Content: 77.4 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 27.3 g
- Cholesterol Content: 200.1 mg
- Sodium Content: 1967.5 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 21.4 g
- Fiber Content: 3.7 g
- Sugar Content: 6.1 g
- Protein Content: 59.7 g
Enjoy this flavorful and hearty Cozido, a traditional Portuguese stew that’s perfect for bringing family and friends together around the table. This dish embodies the essence of European comfort food, offering a delightful blend of savory meats and tender vegetables simmered to perfection. Serve with crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal. 🍲🇵🇹
