This Brazilian Beef Stew is a healthy, hearty and nourishing meal, perfect for the cold winter days. Come discover what makes this Classic Brazilian Beef Stew a one-of-a-kind authentic dish that you will not forget!
Ola amigos! I am so excited to share this recipe with you today for all the obvious reasons, but most importantly because it is a delicious and classic winter recipe, that is both filling and nourishing. The body-warming kind of dish that will leave you completely satisfied.
In this post, I invite you on a tasting trip to Brazil to discover the amazing flavors of the authentic Brazilian Beef Stew. This dish takes me back to my childhood years, of eating nothing but the fruits of the Earth. Each vegetable, herb and spice add up to a rich and tasteful dish you won't forget.
It's not just a banana... it's a Plantain!
First things first, it's not a banana... it's a plantain! a common kitchen staple, which you will find in most Brazilian homes. Unlike bananas, plantains must be cooked before eating and is used as a starchy vegetables.
Thankful little description is needed when it comes to Okra, because it has become quite popular all around the world. Years ago you could not find okra at the supermarket, however in recent years you almost always do (yippee!). Okra is another common vegetable used in the Brazilian culinary, with its origin in Africa.
Other vegetables commonly used in a typical Brazilian Beef Stew is jiló, maxixe and even cabbage!
I often make this dish at home, especially during the winter months because it is so tasty and warming. It pairs deliciously over a bowl of rice and plenty of extra broth.
Because this dish takes about 2 hours to make, it is perfect for a Sunday dinner. Cozy up with the family to share this amazing meal, while you watch some Football or your favorite TV shows!
One last thing, don't let the long list of ingredients intimidate you. Do what you can, if there is something missing from this list, no big deal... really! Please feel free to email, should you have any questions. I tried to be as descriptive as possible. The key is to 'stir' after each ingredient added 🙂 As far as the veggies goes, use what you have and certainly what you like. If you've made this multi-purpose tomato sauce, you can use that too!
ENJOY and obrigada!
Brazilian Beef Stew
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 lg white onion sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup tomato sauce or 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown rice flour or all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon vegetable base
- ½ cup red wine or water
- 2 lbs chuck roast cut into chunks
- 4 cups water
Spices
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- salt + pepper
Vegetables
- ½ butternut squash
- 1 sweet potato
- 2 large carrots
- 1 plantain
- 15 okra
Additional
- 3 cups water
- fresh cilantro and rosemary to garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot. Add onions and cook until soft (about 3 mins). Add garlic, cook until fragrant (2 mins). Add in the tomato sauce or paste, stir. Add flour and vegetable base, briefly stir. This will quickly turn into a thick sauce. Add the red wine or water (whatever you choose) and stir. Next add in the beef, all the spices and 4 cups of water. Cover and cook in medium heat for 1 hour.
- In this next step you will add in the vegetables. Cut them up into small cubes/ chunks. The okra cooks very fast, so keep it as a whole. Simply add the veggies to the pot but do not turn it or stir otherwise the veggies will fall to the bottom of the pan, causing them to cook too fast and becoming mushy. Add the remaining 3 cups of water, fresh cilantro and rosemary on top. Cover and cook for an additional 45 mins or until veggies have softened to taste.
- You can serve it right out of the pot, however I like to carefully transfer it to a shallow platter or casserole. This way it is easier to scoop up what you want without mushing the other veggies.
Byron Thomas says
There is so much about this recipe that resonates well with me. First of all, there's really nothing in the world as good as a beef stew. Secondly, root vegetables are the absolute best! They are so rustic and simple and just scream comfort food that must be shared with family and friends. Thirdly, beef stew must always be served with rice and lots of broth. Always! 🙂
Silvia Ribas says
Aww thanks so much Byron! This dish is definitely comforting and absolutely delicious 🙂
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says
I've never seen beef stew with plantains and okra in it-- I bet that's delicious! I should make this for the beef-loving hubs- he would love it!!!
Silvia Ribas says
I been hearing this a lot Sarah hahaha but that's how Brazilians make Stew 🙂 and honestly, it is insanely good!!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
I love how you use so many vegetables in this stew! I haven't actually cooked with plaintains before, but I love them in restaurants. I'm going to have to try using them. Okra, too!
Silvia Ribas says
Veggies just makes everything better 🙂 think you will like cooking with plantains too!
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says
I would have never thought to include plaintains in stew! This is such an interesting idea. I'm trying to imagine the flavor. I"m sure it's amazing! Your pictures are beautiful and making me hungry 🙂
Silvia Ribas says
This is such a common use in the Brazilian cuisine, I don't think twice about it. Glad to be planting the idea in peoples head hahaha. Thanks!
Hanady | Recipe Nomad says
My Brazilian sister in law makes the best beef stews (and she's even vegetarian!) but she's never used plaintains! We're going to have to have a talk about this! I love the flavors in here! Mmmmm!!!
Silvia Ribas says
I think you do need to have a talk, haha. Thanks so much Hanady!
Mark, CompassandFork says
I love the vegetables you are using in the stew. The flavors of South America. I am currently in Costa Rica and yes plantains are everywhere and are a bit of unknown in the West. I love them and have them everyday. The stew looks delicious and I see it contains my favorite thickener, okra. Nice job.
Silvia Ribas says
Aw thanks Mark, so glad you like this recipe. There is always room for okra in my cooking!
Jessica (Swanky Recipes) says
There is nothing more comforting than beef stew with fresh vegetables. I love to make this for the family on a cold winter day. Growing up in the Midwest, meat/potatoes/vegetables were pretty much present in every meal. Can't wait to try this Brazilian twist and make it for the family next!
Silvia Ribas says
Thanks Jessica! this is such a delicious and comforting family meal, isn't it? I hope you enjoy the Brazilian twist 😉
Sarah | Away From the Box says
This sounds fabulous! In the southern US, plantains and okra have always been easy to come by. They are staples in many of our diets, so I never realized it could be difficult to find in other areas. Now I'm craving fried cinnamon plantains! Perhaps as a dessert to this delicious looking stew. Great recipe!
Silvia Ribas says
Ohh that's awesome Sarah!! Here we do find plantains sort of often, however they aren't always good because of transportation and stuff but okra, very seldom. You know what? you just made me hungry for fried plantains with cinnamon sugar 🙂 Thanks!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I haven't had beef stew in so long but love it, and this looks like a wonderful version. Look at all of those beautiful vegetables in it! Interesting that okra and plantains are popular in both Brazil and in the south here in the US!
Silvia Ribas says
It's gotta be the weather Marlynn!! you lucky Southerns haha. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Anne Murphy says
I love plantains, but I never tried them in a stew! That must be delicious! This looks like a fantastic combination - just what we need on these cold gray days.
Silvia Ribas says
Thanks Anne! Definitely a dish to warm up on the cold days 🙂
Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery says
This stew sounds delicious, but your photography is what really catches my attention. The food styling is gorgeous! So simple, homey, and comforting - just gorgeous.
Amy says
Mmm, I love that you took something so comforting like beef stew and put an exotic (to me!) twist on it with Brazilian flavors and ingredients. I love plantains and love the idea of adding them to stew since I often add them to soups. But I have never actually cooked with okra! I'll watch for it in the store next time!
Renz says
I was talking about beef soup/stew this week with an old classmate. It is one of the best things. The addition of the plantains really reminds me of stew from the Caribbean. We would add anything we can find in there. This looks hearty and delicious
Daniela Anderson says
This beef stew must be my favourite comfort food, l make something similar myself and it's so flavourful and filling. I love your presentation, l get hungry only by looking at your photos. Brilliant recipe!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
I love how each country in the world has a take on a stew - this Brazilian one looks fantastic. I love the addition of okra!
Silvia Ribas says
I know right? I find it fascinating too! glad you liked the Brazilian take on Beef Stew 🙂
Heather says
What a beautiful, hearty dish! I love the idea of using a Plantain in this stew. There is nothing like a beef stew loaded with fresh vegetables. I can't wait to try this new recipe!
Silvia Ribas says
Awesome! Hope you like it Heather 🙂
Manila Spoon says
It seems forever since I used some Okra for cooking so I was delighted to see it in your yummy stew! Judging by the ingredients, I can almost taste how delicious this stew is!
Silvia Ribas says
Thank you my Dear, tasty indeed!
Uma says
So much of vegetables! Love to see all the vegetables on your board. My favorite one is plantain and okara. I use every month in my cooking:)
Silvia Ribas says
Oh cool, I love that you also cook with plantain and okra! Thanks so much Uma 🙂