Carne de Vaca Guisada com Batata Doce
A comforting and savory beef stew slow-cooked with sweet potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef(stewing cuts like chuck, cubed)
- 500 g Sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or diced)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Carrot(sliced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 3 cups Beef broth or water
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides in batches, then set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor. - 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 3
Stir in minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth or water, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
⏱️ 1 hour💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking tenderizes the beef. - 6
Add the sweet potato chunks and sliced carrots to the pot. Stir gently, cover, and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the beef is very tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked through.
⏱️ 40 minutes💡 Tip: Sweet potatoes cook faster than beef, so add them later to prevent them from becoming mushy. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Tip: A final taste and adjustment ensures perfect seasoning.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add other root vegetables like cassava or pumpkin along with the sweet potatoes.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can sear the beef with a little tomato paste before adding the liquids.
- ✓This dish pairs well with rice or funge.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use lamb or goat meat instead of beef for a different flavor profile.