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
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lg white onion sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp brown rice flour or all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp vegetable base
- 1/2 cup red wine or water
- 2 lbs chuck roast cut into chunks
- 4 cups water
Spices
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- salt + pepper
Vegetables
- 1/2 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.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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.
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!
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
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!
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!
I know right? I find it fascinating too! glad you liked the Brazilian take on Beef Stew 🙂
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!
Awesome! Hope you like it Heather 🙂
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!
Thank you my Dear, tasty indeed!
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:)
Oh cool, I love that you also cook with plantain and okra! Thanks so much Uma 🙂