Authentic Cozido à Portuguesa: A Traditional Portuguese Stew Recipe

Ingredients

500g Beef (preferably a tough cut like shank or shoulder)
500g Pork (ribs or shoulder)
250g Chicken (thighs or drumsticks)
4 Portuguese sausages (includes varieties such as farinheira, morcela, chouriço, and alheira)
1 Cabbage (medium-sized, cut into quarters)
500g Carrots (peeled and cut into large chunks)
500g Potatoes (peeled and cut into large chunks)
2 Onions (peeled and cut into halves)
4 cloves of Garlic (peeled)
2 Bay Leaves
Salt (to taste)

Steps and instructions

Prepare a large pot with enough water to cover all the ingredients. Add a generous amount of salt.
Put the beef, pork, chicken, and Portuguese sausages into the pot. Let it come to a boil over high heat.
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender. Occasionally skim off any impurities that float to the surface.
Add the onions, garlic, and bay leaves into the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.
Next, add the carrots and potatoes. Cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Finally, place the cabbage quarters into the pot. Cook for a further 15 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
Once everything is cooked, carefully remove all the ingredients from the pot with a slotted spoon and arrange them on a large serving platter.
Optionally, you can strain the cooking broth and serve it as a soup before the meal, or use it as a base for other dishes.

Tools for making

Large Pot - A pot with enough capacity to hold all the ingredients and water.
Slotted Spoon - Used to remove the cooked ingredients from the pot.
Knife - For peeling and cutting the vegetables.
Cutting Board - To provide a stable surface for cutting the ingredients.
Strainer (optional) - If you choose to strain the cooking broth.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian version: Replace the meat with a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, tofu, seitan, or tempeh.
Seafood twist: Add different types of seafood such as shrimp, clams, mussels, or fish fillets to the pot.
Spicy Cozido: Add some heat by incorporating spicy chorizo or adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the broth.
Root vegetable medley: Experiment with different root vegetables like turnips, parsnips, or rutabagas alongside the carrots and potatoes.
Smoked meat: Use smoked ham hocks or smoked turkey legs to add a smoky flavor to the dish.
Herb-infused Cozido: Introduce herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to enhance the aroma and flavor of the broth.
Cozido with sauerkraut: Serve the Cozido with a side of sauerkraut for a tangy twist.
Gluten-free option: Ensure the Portuguese sausages used are gluten-free or replace them with gluten-free sausages or additional vegetables.

Recipe overview

Cozido à Portuguesa, often simply referred to as Portuguese stew, is a traditional dish from Portugal that you will definitely want to add to your culinary repertoire. This hearty, comforting meal is characterized by its combination of boiled meats, sausages, and vegetables. It may seem simple, but the result is a symphony of flavors that showcase the best of Portuguese cuisine. The beauty of this dish is in its variability, with the ingredients often changing based on what's available or in season. However, the core elements remain the same, ensuring a satisfying feast every time. This recipe primarily involves simmering the ingredients to perfection, which allows their natural flavors to shine through. While some time and patience are required, the process is straightforward and the result is a rich, satisfying dish that's perfect for sharing. Enjoy the cozido à Portuguesa on its own, or serve it with some crusty bread and a glass of your favorite Portuguese wine for a truly authentic experience. This is home-cooking at its finest, made to be savored and enjoyed in good company.

Common questions

Can I use different types of meat in Cozido à Portuguesa? Yes, you can use different types of meat according to your preferences. However, traditionally, beef, pork, and chicken are the common choices for Cozido à Portuguesa.
Can I add other vegetables to Cozido à Portuguesa? While the recipe traditionally includes cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, you can add other vegetables of your choice. Some popular additions are turnips, leeks, and collard greens.
How can I make the broth more flavorful? To enhance the flavor of the broth, you can add a bone-in ham hock or a smoked sausage during the cooking process. This will infuse the broth with a smoky and savory taste.
Can I make Cozido à Portuguesa in advance? Yes, Cozido à Portuguesa actually tastes even better when made in advance. You can cook it the day before and refrigerate it overnight. The flavors will have time to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Can I freeze Cozido à Portuguesa? Absolutely! Cozido à Portuguesa freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large Pot - A pot with a capacity large enough to hold all the ingredients and water.
Slotted Spoon - Used to remove the cooked ingredients from the pot while leaving behind the broth.
Serving Platter - A large platter or dish to arrange and serve the cooked ingredients.
Knife - For peeling and cutting the vegetables and meats.
Cutting Board - To provide a surface for safely cutting and preparing the ingredients.
Soup Bowls (optional) - If you choose to serve the cooking broth as a soup before the meal.

Origin stories

Cozido à Portuguesa carries the essence of Portugal in its mix of flavours. This hearty dish is the food equivalent of the Portuguese people's spirit — diverse, robust, and full of character. Every region in Portugal has its own version of the recipe, reflecting the local products and traditions. From the smoked sausages of the north to the fresh seafood of the coast, each version tells a tale of the area's history, culture, and culinary sensibilities. Indeed, one could say that to taste Cozido à Portuguesa is to embark on a gastronomic journey through Portugal itself. It isn't just a meal, but a celebration of a rich and varied culinary heritage that spans centuries.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.