The Portuguese Beef Picadinho is a true testament to the culinary heritage of Portugal.
Portugal, with its rich culinary traditions and vibrant flavors, is a paradise for food enthusiasts. One dish that truly captures the essence of Portuguese cuisine is the Portuguese Beef Picadinho. This delectable dish is a harmonious blend of tender beef, aromatic spices, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered to perfection.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating an authentic Picadinho that will tantalize your taste buds and make you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Lisbon café. So, let’s embark on this flavorful journey!
You can also check out our other Main Dishes Recipes.
Portuguese Beef Picadinho
This authentic Portuguese Beef Picadinho will tantalize your taste buds and make you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Lisbon tasco.
Ingredients
- ½ lb veal cut into small pieces
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 cups sunflower oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 pcs tomatoes skinless and seedless, diced
- 1 pc onion chopped
- 1 pc bay leaf
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the veal, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf in a bowl. Allow the meat to marinate for 2 hours to bring out the best flavors. Heat sunflower oil in a pan and add the marinated veal.
- Fry until the pieces turn golden brown and crispy. This step adds a delicious texture to the dish!
- Add chopped onions, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and fresh cilantro to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Let everything simmer together, allowing the aromas to fill your kitchen.
- Pour in hot water, cover the pan, and let the dish cook on low heat for about 60 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure an even distribution of flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Once the veal is incredibly tender and the sauce has thickened to a luscious consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. Add more salt and pepper to suit your palate.
- Remove the pan from heat and get ready to indulge in this delightful veal dish. Serve it alongside fluffy white rice and perfectly cooked asparagus for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- When frying the veal, aim for a golden brown color on the outside to enhance its taste and appearance. Make sure the pan is heated properly before adding the veal to achieve a nice sear. This browning process will add a delicious caramelized flavor and create an appealing texture.
- If you want to make the tomato sauce even more vibrant, you could use fresh ripe tomatoes instead of canned ones. The freshness and natural sweetness of the tomatoes will elevate the overall taste of the dish. Additionally, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add a hint of tanginess and a subtle kick.
- While cilantro adds a lovely flavor to the dish, you can experiment with other fresh herbs to introduce different herbaceous notes. Try using fresh basil or parsley alongside or instead of cilantro. These herbs will provide a fresh and fragrant element to complement the savory flavors of the veal and tomato sauce.
- For an even more tender and flavorful result, consider using a slow cooker instead of cooking on the stovetop. This method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while ensuring the veal becomes incredibly tender. Simply transfer all the ingredients, including the marinade, to the slow cooker and let it simmer on low heat for 4-6 hours.
- While serving with white rice and asparagus is delicious, feel free to experiment with other side dishes to suit your preferences. Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad can all complement the veal beautifully. Don’t be afraid to get creative and explore different flavor combinations to make the meal truly your own.
