How to make Estofado

Why cooks start here

Estofado is the red-wine beef stew of Sunday: meat, carrot, and a sauce meant for ñoquis or mashed potato. It is the pot that makes the house smell like noon.

Estofado, a cherished staple of Argentine Sundays, is a rich red-wine beef stew that fills homes with the comforting aroma of anticipation. As the clock nudges noon, families gather, drawn to the promise of tender meat, sweet carrots, and a savory sauce. It's a dish steeped in tradition, often prepared with care to crown a leisurely day of rest and reflection. The flavors of Estofado are deep and heartening, with the beef surrendering to the embrace of wine and tomato, while bay leaves whisper their earthy notes. This stew is most at home when spooned generously over ñoquis, polenta, or a creamy puree, each bite a warm embrace on a plate.