Brazilian recipe
Traditional Beef Ribs and Cassava Stew (Vaca Atolada)
A quintessential Brazilian classic, this stew perfectly marries tender beef ribs with creamy cassava for a hearty, comforting meal.
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Ingredients
2 tablespoons oil
1.5 kg beef ribs, cut into pieces
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 liter boiling water
500 g cassava (aipim/macaxeira), peeled and cut into pieces
1 malagueta pepper, crushed (or to taste)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
Salt to taste
1.5 kg beef ribs, cut into pieces
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 liter boiling water
500 g cassava (aipim/macaxeira), peeled and cut into pieces
1 malagueta pepper, crushed (or to taste)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
Salt to taste
Where to find ingredients
Beef ribs and fresh cassava can be found at local butcher shops or produce markets. If cassava is unavailable, a suitable, though less authentic, starchy substitute like parsnips or potatoes may be used, keeping in mind they will significantly alter the traditional texture.
Preparation method
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef rib pieces and sear them until browned on all sides.
- Drizzle with the lemon juice and add the boiling water.
- Cook the ribs over low heat, with the pot partially covered, stirring occasionally until the meat is tender. If necessary, add more boiling water to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
- Add the pieces of cassava to the pot.
- Stir regularly and continue cooking until the cassava is well-cooked and tender, softening slightly to help thicken the broth.
- Season with the crushed malagueta pepper and adjust salt to taste.
- Place the onion slices on top of the meat and cassava.
- Cover the pot and cook for a few more minutes, just until the onions have wilted while retaining their shape.
- Transfer the ribs and cassava to a serving platter, top with the onion slices, and serve immediately.
- Goes well with white rice.
Observations
Vaca atolada is a robust and comforting dish cherished across Brazil. Its preparation unites the succulence of beef ribs with the velvety texture of cassava, resulting in a savory, soul-warming stew.
This recipe is perfect for family lunches or special dinners, impressing guests with its depth of flavor and simplicity. It serves as an excellent introduction to traditional Brazilian home-style cooking.
This recipe is perfect for family lunches or special dinners, impressing guests with its depth of flavor and simplicity. It serves as an excellent introduction to traditional Brazilian home-style cooking.
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