Brazilian recipe
Hearty Beef and Cassava Stew (Receita de vaca atolada)
A beloved Brazilian staple, Vaca Atolada pairs tender beef ribs with velvety cassava for an incredibly comforting and rustic slow-cooked 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 pepper, crushed (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 pepper, crushed (or to taste)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
Salt to taste
Where to find ingredients
You can find beef ribs at local butchers or the meat counter of supermarkets, where they can be cut into smaller pieces. Cassava is widely available in the produce section of local markets. If fresh cassava is unavailable, frozen pre-cut cassava can be found in the freezer aisle of larger grocery stores as a reliable substitute.
Preparation method
- Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef ribs and sear them until they are well-browned on all sides.
- Pour in the lime juice and the boiling water.
- Simmer the ribs over low heat with the lid partially on, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender, adding extra boiling water if necessary to keep the meat submerged.
- Add the cassava chunks to the pot.
- Continue to cook, stirring regularly, until the cassava is thoroughly tender and begins to break down slightly, thickening the broth.
- Season with the crushed malagueta pepper and adjust the salt to your liking.
- Layer the onion slices over the top of the beef and cassava.
- Cover the pot and cook for a few more minutes, just until the onions have wilted but still hold their shape.
- Transfer the stew to a serving platter, topping with the softened onion rings and serve immediately.
- Serve alongside a portion of steamed white rice.
Observations
Vaca Atolada is a robust and heartwarming dish cherished across Brazil. This recipe perfectly balances the succulent richness of beef ribs with the smooth, earthy texture of cassava, creating a flavorful stew that is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
Ideal for a hearty family lunch or a special weekend meal, this dish captivates with its depth of flavor and home-style simplicity, serving as a quintessential introduction to the depth of traditional Brazilian soul food.
Ideal for a hearty family lunch or a special weekend meal, this dish captivates with its depth of flavor and home-style simplicity, serving as a quintessential introduction to the depth of traditional Brazilian soul food.
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