Brazilian recipe
Traditional Vaca Atolada (Receita de vaca atolada)
A beloved Brazilian staple, Vaca Atolada features tender beef ribs slow-cooked with creamy cassava for a hearty, comforting meal.
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Ingredients
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1.5 kg beef ribs, cut into portions
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 liter boiling water
500 g cassava (yuca), peeled and cut into chunks
1 malagueta chili pepper, mashed (or to taste)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
Salt to taste
1.5 kg beef ribs, cut into portions
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 liter boiling water
500 g cassava (yuca), peeled and cut into chunks
1 malagueta chili pepper, mashed (or to taste)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
Salt to taste
Where to find ingredients
You can find beef ribs and fresh cassava (often labeled as yuca or manioc) in the produce and meat sections of local supermarkets or traditional markets. Malagueta peppers can be sourced at specialty spice shops or substituted with fresh habanero or bird's eye chili for a similar heat level.
Preparation method
- Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef rib pieces and sear them well on all sides until nicely browned.
- Pour in the lime juice and add the boiling water to the pot.
- Cover the pot partially and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender. Add more boiling water if needed to keep the meat moist.
- Add the cassava chunks to the pot.
- Continue to cook, stirring regularly, until the cassava is thoroughly tender and beginning to break down, which will naturally thicken the stew.
- Season with the mashed malagueta chili and adjust the salt to your preference.
- Layer the thinly sliced onion over the top of the meat and cassava.
- Cover the pot and cook for a few more minutes, just until the onions have wilted but still retain their shape.
- Transfer the beef ribs and cassava to a serving platter, top with the wilted onions, and serve immediately.
- Pairs perfectly with a side of steamed white rice.
Observations
Vaca Atolada is a robust and comforting dish deeply rooted in Brazilian culinary tradition. This classic stew perfectly balances the rich, succulent flavor of beef ribs with the velvety texture of cooked cassava, creating a hearty meal that is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
Whether you are hosting a family gathering or looking for a special comforting dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. It offers a wonderful, authentic introduction to the depth and soul of traditional Brazilian home cooking.
Whether you are hosting a family gathering or looking for a special comforting dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. It offers a wonderful, authentic introduction to the depth and soul of traditional Brazilian home cooking.
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