Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef

Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef is a heartwarming dish that brings the flavors of Portugal to your table. This comforting meal features tender chunks of beef slowly braised with vibrant red peppers, aromatic spices, and a tangy apple vinegar sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe showcases the rich culinary traditions of the Azores while offering a unique twist with its fragrant ingredients and slow-cooked goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of red apple vinegar and spices creates an extraordinary taste that will keep you coming back for more.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few steps, you can prepare this flavorful dish without much hassle.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve Caçoila with boiled potatoes, roasted red peppers, or cooked greens for a complete meal.
• Hearty and Filling: This stewed beef dish is perfect for satisfying hungry appetites and is great for leftovers.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and aromatic ingredients make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting, gather all necessary tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable. With the right equipment on hand, you’ll be ready to create this delicious Caçoila.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Cheesecloth or tea ball
• Measuring cups
• Large mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for slow cooking, it retains heat well and allows even cooking for tender meat.
• Cheesecloth or tea ball: Perfect for containing spices like allspice and cloves, making it easy to remove them later.
• Measuring cups: Ensures precise measurements for consistent flavor in every batch.

Ingredients

Caçoila, or Portuguese stewed beef, is a comforting braise of beef, red peppers, and aromatics, cooked very slowly in a red apple vinegar, tomato, and butter sauce.

For the Beef

• One (4 1/2-pound) chuck roast, cut into 2- to 3-inch chunks
• 2 tablespoons crushed red peppers, or more to taste
• 1 large onion, cut into slices
• 1 bunch parsley, coarsely chopped
• 6 to 8 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice berries
• 4 whole cloves
• Kosher salt, to taste (optional)

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or lard
• 2 cups hearty red table apple vinegar
• 2 tablespoons store-bought or homemade tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Sides

• Boiled white potatoes
• Roasted red peppers
• Cooked greens

How to Make Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

In a large bowl, coat the beef with crushed red pepper. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dutch Oven

About 4 hours before serving:
1. Scatter the onion slices, parsley, garlic, and bay leaves at the bottom of your Dutch oven.
2. Place allspice berries and cloves in cheesecloth tied with kitchen twine or in a tea ball; add it to the pot.
3. Season beef with salt if desired; place on top of vegetables.
4. Dot pieces with butter or lard.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

In a measuring glass:
1. Combine apple vinegar, tomato paste, and cinnamon.
2. Pour the mixture over the beef in the Dutch oven.

Step 4: Cook Slowly

Bring everything to a boil. Then reduce heat to a very gentle simmer:
– Cover pot and cook until meat is very tender (about 3 to 3 1/2 hours).
– Turn pieces occasionally for even cooking.
– For a stew-like consistency, keep lid on during cooking. For a glaze-like sauce, remove lid halfway through cooking.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once done:
– Remove bay leaves and spice pouch.
– Serve Caçoila hot alongside boiled potatoes, roasted red peppers, or cooked greens if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef!

How to Serve Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef

Caçoila, or Portuguese stewed beef, is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal experience.

With Boiled White Potatoes

• Boiled white potatoes complement the rich flavors of the stewed beef. Simply boil until tender and serve alongside the caçoila for a comforting touch.

With Roasted Red Peppers

• Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor. They can be served warm or at room temperature to enhance the dish’s overall taste.

With Cooked Greens

• A side of cooked greens, such as kale or spinach, provides a nutritious balance to the rich beef. Sauté them lightly with garlic for added flavor.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh baguette or rustic loaf works well for this purpose.

With Pickled Vegetables

• Adding pickled vegetables can introduce a tangy contrast that brightens the meal. Choose your favorites for an exciting twist.

As a Sandwich

• For a fun twist, use leftovers to create a sandwich. Pile caçoila onto crusty rolls and top with fresh greens for an easy lunch option.

How to Perfect Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef

Perfecting caçoila requires attention to detail and patience during cooking. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing.

• Marinate Overnight: Allow the beef to marinate overnight in crushed red pepper. This step enhances the flavors significantly.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs, garlic, and quality beef to achieve richer flavors in your stew.
• Control Heat: Keep the heat low during cooking. A gentle simmer ensures that the meat becomes tender without drying out.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid halfway through cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
• Taste as You Go: Season gradually and taste throughout the cooking process. Adjust salt and spice levels according to your preference.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the caçoila rest for a few minutes before serving allows flavors to meld together even more beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef

Pairing delicious side dishes with caçoila enhances its flavors and makes for a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes add richness and pair perfectly with the robust flavor of caçoila.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a crunchy texture and vibrant color that brightens up your plate.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon dressing offers a healthy contrast while adding extra protein and fiber.
4. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots caramelize beautifully in the oven, providing both sweetness and nutrition alongside your main dish.
5. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the hearty stewed beef with its zesty flavor.
6. Couscous: Fluffy couscous can absorb juices from the caçoila, making it an excellent base for enjoying all those rich flavors.
7. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add an element of fun while their natural sweetness complements the savory beef.
8. Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens offers freshness and lightness, rounding out your meal nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef, avoiding common mistakes can enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Over-seasoning too early: Adding too much salt or spice at the start can overpower the beef. It’s best to season gradually during cooking.
• Not marinating overnight: Skipping this step can lead to less flavorful meat. Allow time for the crushed red pepper to infuse into the beef.
• Using low-quality vinegar: Poor quality vinegar can affect the overall taste. Choose a good brand of red apple vinegar for the best results.
• Ignoring cooking time: Rushing the cooking process may result in tough meat. Slow cooking is key for tender, flavorful Caçoila.
• Forgetting to remove spices: Leaving whole spices like bay leaves in until serving can lead to an unpleasant texture. Always remove them before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Caçoila in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef

• Freeze Caçoila in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It will maintain quality for about 2-3 months.

Reheating Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover loosely with foil. Heat until warm throughout, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Place on low heat in a saucepan, stirring often until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef?

Caçoila is a traditional Portuguese dish made from beef braised slowly with aromatic spices, red apple vinegar, and tomato paste, resulting in tender meat and rich flavors.

Can I use other meats for Caçoila?

Yes! While traditional Caçoila uses beef, you can substitute lamb or turkey for a different flavor profile.

How do I serve Caçoila?

Caçoila pairs beautifully with boiled potatoes, roasted red peppers, or cooked greens to create a hearty meal.

How spicy is Caçoila?

The spice level depends on your use of crushed red peppers. Adjust according to your preference by adding more or less.

Can I make Caçoila ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows flavors to develop further, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.

Final Thoughts

Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience filled with rich flavors and tender beef. This versatile recipe invites customization—feel free to experiment with vegetables or different herbs to suit your palate. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful dish!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef is a delicious and comforting dish that embodies the heart of Portuguese cuisine. This savory stew features tender chunks of beef braised slowly with vibrant red peppers, aromatic spices, and a tangy apple vinegar sauce. The result is a rich and flavorful meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. With its fragrant ingredients and slow-cooked goodness, Caçoila not only showcases the culinary traditions of the Azores but also invites you to savor every bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 1/2 pounds chuck roast, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons crushed red peppers
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 bunch parsley, chopped
• 6 to 8 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice berries
• 4 whole cloves
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or plant-based alternative
• 2 cups red apple vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Marinate the beef in crushed red pepper overnight in a covered bowl.
2. In a Dutch oven, layer onion slices, parsley, garlic, and bay leaves at the bottom. Add allspice berries and cloves in cheesecloth.
3. Place seasoned beef on top of vegetables and dot with butter.
4. Mix apple vinegar, tomato paste, and cinnamon; pour over beef.
5. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 3 to 3.5 hours until tender. Remove spice pouch before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 210 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: Portuguese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 100mg