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Brasileiro Beef Pot

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Brasileiro Beef Pot

The Brasileiro Beef Pot, a staple in Brazilian home kitchens, is a dish that carries the warmth of tradition and the heartiness of comfort cooking. Prepared with simplicity and instinct, this recipe is passed down through generations, where the measurements are felt rather than measured, and the flavors are adjusted to personal preference. It is typically enjoyed as a communal meal, with family and friends gathered around, sharing stories and savoring each bite.

The dish offers a tender embrace of beef cubes simmered with carrots and onions, enveloped in a rich, savory broth that speaks to the soul of Brazilian home cooking. Generous use of fat brings depth to every spoonful, while the seasoning—salt and pepper—allows the natural flavors to shine. It's a straightforward yet deeply satisfying experience, inviting everyone to dig in and relish the simplicity and depth that define Brazilian comfort food.

Ingredients

  • 800 gbeef cubes
  • 2carrots
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspoil
  • 500 mlwater
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by seasoning 800 g of beef cubes generously with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated, as this will enhance the flavor of the meat during cooking.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides until each piece has a deep, rich color. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
  3. While the pot is still hot, add one chopped onion to the remaining oil and beef drippings. Cook the onion until it becomes translucent and starts to caramelize, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This process should release a sweet aroma and deepen the flavor base of your dish.
  4. Peel and slice 2 carrots into rounds, then add them to the pot with the onions. Stir the carrots occasionally, allowing them to soften slightly and absorb the flavors from the pot.
  5. Return the browned beef cubes to the pot, nestling them among the vegetables. Pour in 500 ml of water, ensuring the beef and vegetables are mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
  6. Cover the pot and let the beef braise slowly, checking occasionally to ensure the liquid is gently bubbling. The beef is done when it is tender and easy to pull apart with a fork, which typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The sauce should have thickened slightly, coating the beef and vegetables.
  7. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the Brasileiro Beef Pot hot, accompanied by rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Cover of Authentic Brazilian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Brazilian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Brazilian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Brazilian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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