Authentic Spanish Estofado: A Hearty Stew Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg beef, cut into cubes
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 potatoes, quartered
  • 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 cup green peas
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup cooking oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the cooking oil in a pan. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Return the beef to the pan. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well to coat the beef. Cook for a few minutes until the sugar is dissolved.
  4. Add the tomato sauce, water, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
  5. Add the potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, green peas, and raisins. Cook for another 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  7. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Estofado!

Tools for making

  • Pan - A large cooking pan for browning the beef and sautéing the garlic and onion.
  • Cooking Spoon - A utensil to stir and mix the ingredients while cooking.
  • Knife - A sharp knife to cut the beef, garlic, onion, potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper.
  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface to safely cut the vegetables and meat.
  • Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the soy sauce, vinegar, tomato sauce, water, and brown sugar.
  • Measuring Spoons - For precise measurements of garlic, salt, pepper, and raisins.
  • Serving Dish - A plate or bowl to serve the Estofado.
  • Stove - A cooking appliance to heat the pan and simmer the Estofado.
  • Spatula - A tool to help flip and turn the beef while browning.
  • Lid - A cover for the pan to simmer the Estofado.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different protein option.
  • Add vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for additional texture and flavor.
  • Include pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist.
  • Replace the tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes for a chunkier sauce.
  • Add a spicy kick by including diced chili peppers or red pepper flakes.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, oregano, or paprika.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the meat with tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
  • Make it gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

Recipe overview

Welcome to this delicious recipe for Estofado, a hearty beef stew that's popular in many Latin and Mediterranean cuisines. This flavorful dish combines tender beef cubes with a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, all simmered together in a savory sauce. It's a comforting, filling meal that's perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. In this recipe, we'll walk you through the steps to create your own homemade Estofado. You'll be surprised at how simple it is to whip up this impressive dish. Expect a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that will delight your taste buds! So, roll up your sleeves and let's get cooking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe? Yes, you can use other types of meat such as pork or chicken instead of beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce? Yes, you can substitute tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes. Simply dice the tomatoes and cook them down until they form a thick sauce-like consistency.
  3. Can I add other vegetables to the estofado? Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables according to your preference. Some popular additions include green beans, corn, and cabbage.
  4. Can I make estofado in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be made in a slow cooker. Brown the meat, sauté the garlic and onion, and then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender.
  5. Can I make estofado in advance? Yes, estofado tastes even better when the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
  6. Can I freeze estofado? Yes, estofado freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - Use a cutting board to prepare the ingredients and safely chop the vegetables and meat.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is essential for cutting the ingredients into desired sizes.
  • Pan - A large pan with a lid will be needed to cook the Estofado.
  • Stirring spoon - Use a stirring spoon to mix the ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring cups - Measuring cups will help ensure accurate measurements of ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are handy for measuring smaller quantities of spices and seasonings.
  • Serving dish - Transfer the cooked Estofado to a serving dish before serving.
  • Rice cooker - Estofado is commonly served with rice, so a rice cooker will come in handy to cook the rice.
  • Plates and utensils - Set the table with plates and utensils for serving the Estofado.
  • Napkins - Keep napkins handy to wipe hands or clean up any spills during the meal.

Origin stories

Estofado, a rich and savory stew, has deep roots in the culinary traditions of Spain, and its influence has spread far and wide, from Latin America to the Philippines. Interestingly, the term "estofado" derives from the Spanish verb "estofar," which means to stew or braise. In the old days, making the perfect estofado was a time-consuming process that required patience and attention to detail. It was traditionally prepared in a clay pot over a slow fire for several hours, the flavors melding and intensifying over time. This method of slow-cooking allowed even the simplest ingredients to transform into a sumptuous feast. Today, while modern cooking methods have sped up the process, the essence of estofado remains the same - it's a comforting dish that brings families together, a testament to the magic of slow-cooked food.

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.