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Caçoila ~ Portuguese Stewed Beef

Irresistible Caçoila: Portuguese Stewed Beef to Savor

Caçoila is a traditional Portuguese stewed beef, rich in flavor and ideal for a cozy gathering.
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Prep Time 24 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 54 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 4.5 pounds Chuck roast cut into 2- to 3-inch chunks
  • Kosher salt to taste (optional)
For the Spices
  • 2 tablespoons Crushed red peppers or more to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon Allspice berries
  • 4 Whole cloves
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
For the Vegetables
  • 1 large Onion sliced
  • 6-8 cloves Garlic smashed and peeled
  • 1 bunch Parsley coarsely chopped
  • 2 Bay leaves
For the Cooking Liquid
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter or lard
  • 2 cups Hearty red table wine
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
Optional Sides
  • Boiled white potatoes
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Cooked greens like kale or spinach

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

How to Make Caçoila
  1. Prep the Beef: Start by coating the beef chunks with crushed red peppers. Cover and refrigerate for a full day.
  2. Layer the Base: Scatter the sliced onion, chopped parsley, smashed garlic cloves, and bay leaves in the Dutch oven.
  3. Bundle the Spices: Place allspice and whole cloves in cheesecloth and toss into the Dutch oven.
  4. Season the Beef: Sprinkle kosher salt over the beef, place it on the vegetable layer, and dot with butter or lard.
  5. Mix the Cooking Liquid: Stir together the wine, tomato paste, and cinnamon, then pour over the beef.
  6. Simmer Gently: Bring to boil, reduce heat, and cover, cooking for 3 to 3.5 hours.
  7. Adjust the Lid: Keep the lid on for a stew-like consistency or remove halfway for a concentrated sauce.
  8. Finalize Before Serving: Remove bay leaves and spice pouch before serving.
  9. Serve with Sides: Present with optional boiled potatoes, roasted peppers, and cooked greens.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

Marinating overnight enhances flavor. Adjust consistency by switching lid position while cooking.

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