Portuguese Alcatra 🇵🇹🥩
Alcatra is a traditional Portuguese dish that’s known for its tender, slow-cooked beef, often served with a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s typically cooked in a clay pot or Dutch oven, giving it an incredibly moist and juicy texture. Here’s how to make this mouthwatering Portuguese dish!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or another cut of beef suitable for slow cooking)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or 1 can of chopped tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but gives great flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (or wine vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (optional, but adds color and aroma)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beef:
- Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper. You can also rub some paprika on the meat to give it extra flavor.
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Sear the Beef:
- In a large pot (preferably a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
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Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
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Add the Tomatoes and Spices:
- Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pot. Stir in the paprika, cinnamon, and cloves (if using), then let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Add the red wine and allow it to reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
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Slow Cook the Beef:
- Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the beef broth and bay leaf.
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the beef simmer gently for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded together. You can also cook it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for the same amount of time.
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Finish the Dish:
- Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Shred the beef with two forks, then return it to the sauce.
- Stir in the white vinegar to balance out the richness of the dish.
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Serve:
- Serve the Portuguese Alcatra over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Tips:
- Add Vegetables: You can add carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes to the pot for added flavor and texture.
- Make it Ahead: Alcatra tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.
- Saffron: If you decide to use saffron, add it with the broth for a beautiful color and an aromatic touch.
This Portuguese Alcatra recipe brings you a flavorful and comforting meal with tender beef and a rich sauce that will transport you straight to Portugal! Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy! 🍽️
