🇵🇹 Portugal · Food
Vitela Estufada
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇵🇹 PTA classic, soul-warming Portuguese beef stew. The beef is braised in a rich reduction of red wine and aromatics, resulting in meat that is incredibly tender and full of deep, savory character.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Cut 1kg of beef shank into large chunks and brown them thoroughly in 50ml of olive oil inside a heavy pot.
- 2
Remove the meat, and in the same pot, sauté 2 large diced onions and 3 smashed garlic cloves until they are soft and golden brown.
- 3
Return the meat to the pot and add 2 bay leaves and 2 cloves for deep, classic aromatics.
- 4
Pour in 500ml of red wine and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 5
Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook over low heat for 90 minutes, or until the beef pulls apart with a fork.
- 6
Remove the lid for the final 15 minutes of cooking to let the sauce thicken into a luxurious, dark glaze.
- 7
Season with salt only at the end, testing the balance of flavors carefully as the sauce reduces.
- 8
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving, which allows the sauce to settle and coat the meat perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut to use?+
Beef shank is ideal because the connective tissue breaks down, making the sauce gelatinous and the meat tender.
Can I use a pressure cooker?+
Yes, it will reduce the cooking time to about 40 minutes, though the slow-cooked method builds more depth.
Should the wine be expensive?+
No, use a dry, robust red wine that you would enjoy drinking, but avoid premium vintage bottles.
What to serve with it?+
It is traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
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