Portuguese Spiced Beef Stew
Cook Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Portugal with this Portuguese Spiced Beef Stew. This comforting dish features tender beef simmered in a savory blend of spices, red wine, and fresh mint. Perfect for a hearty meal, this stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread, making it a beloved recipe you’ll want to share with family and friends. Discover the delicious essence of European cuisine with every spoonful from lovewithrecipes.com.
Category: Stew
Keywords: Meat, Portuguese, European
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds bottom round steaks, cut into cubes
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) Italian tomatoes, with juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (for garnish)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 668.9
- Fat Content: 34g
- Saturated Fat Content: 11.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 116.1mg
- Sodium Content: 848.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 38.9g
- Fiber Content: 5.2g
- Sugar Content: 10.9g
- Protein Content: 43.4g
Servings: 5
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. The oil will help sear the beef, creating a flavorful base for the stew.
-
Brown the Beef:
- Add the cubed bottom round steaks to the skillet. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook the beef until it is nicely browned on all sides, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
-
Transfer to Slow Cooker:
- Once the beef is browned, transfer it to a 4-quart slow cooker. Season the meat with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. These seasonings will enhance the flavors of the stew.
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- If necessary, add a little more olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the finely chopped onions for about 4 minutes or until they are softened and translucent. This step will add depth to the stew’s flavor.
-
Add Garlic and Spices:
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. This will release the aromatic oils of the garlic, enriching the stew with its robust flavor.
-
Deglaze the Skillet:
- Pour in 1 cup of dry red wine, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the richness of the stew.
-
Incorporate Tomato Paste and Spices:
- Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the skillet, along with 1 bay leaf. Stir well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
-
Add Tomatoes:
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 can of Italian tomatoes with their juice. This will provide a tangy, rich base for the stew.
-
Combine and Cook:
- Pour the tomato mixture over the browned beef in the slow cooker. Give it a good stir to ensure the beef is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
-
Slow Cook the Stew:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours. This long, slow cooking process will make the beef incredibly tender and allow the flavors to develop fully.
-
Skim Fat:
- After cooking, skim any fat that has accumulated on the surface of the stew. This will help keep the stew flavorful yet light.
-
Serve:
- To serve, place chunks of crusty bread into individual bowls. Ladle the hot stew over the bread and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the delicious juices.
-
Garnish and Enjoy:
- If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh mint over the top of each serving. This adds a fresh, aromatic touch to the hearty stew.
Enjoy your Portuguese Spiced Beef Stew with a side of crusty bread and perhaps a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe is sure to bring warmth and joy to your dining table, embodying the spirit of Portuguese cuisine.
