Lydias Portuguese Beef Stew Food

MOOD BEEF (PORTUGUESE BEEF STEW)

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven or heavy skillet heat the olive oil over high heat.
• Season the beef with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and the black pepper.
• Saute the beef, in batches if necessary so that the pan is not crowded, until well-browned on all sides, about 4 minutes. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
• Add the onion and green peppers to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and caramelized around the edges, about 6 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Add the tomatoes, water, bay leaf, crushed red pepper and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt.
• Return the beef to the pan and bring the sauce to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, partially covered, for 1 1/2 hours or until the meat is very tender.
• Add the ditalini to the gravy and cook until tender, about 25 minutes.
• Add the parsley. Serve immediately.

MOM'S PORTUGUESE BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a stockpot over medium-high heat. Dust the beef with the flour. Place the beef, garlic, bay leaves, and pepper in the stockpot; cook until the beef is brown; season with salt and cook until beef is tender, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, green pepper, carrot, and paprika; cook until the onion softens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato, wine, water, and parsley. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 30 minutes.
• Mix in the red potatoes, sweet potatoes, and green beans; continue to cook until potatoes are easily pierced through with a fork, about 45 minutes.

PORTUGUESE SPICED BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add in the beef (may need to do this in batches), cook until meat is browned, stirring frequently.
• Transfer beef to 4 quart slow-cooker; season with salt and pepper.
• Add a little more oil to the skillet (if needed) and saute the onions for 4 minutes or until softened.
• Add in the garlic and saute 1 minute.
• Add in the red wine, tomato paste, pickling spices, and bay leaf.
• Let simmer and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet as you stir.
• Remove skillet from heat; stir in tomatoes with juice.
• Pour mixture into slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low 6-7 hours.
• Skin any fat from surface of stew.
• To serve: put bread chunks into individual serving bowls; pour stew over bread and let stand for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle with fresh mint if desired and serve.