🇵🇹 Portugal · Food
Vitela Estufada
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇵🇹 PTAI-generated imageA 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 Vitela Estufada?+
Vitela Estufada is a Portuguese beef stew made with veal shank slow-cooked in red wine, olive oil, and aromatics like bay leaf and clove. It is typically served as a hearty main course for lunch or dinner.
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.
🇵🇹 PTAI-generated imageMundo Match
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