Description
Alcatra is a traditional Azorean beef stew featuring tender marinated beef slow-cooked with onions, garlic, bacon, and aromatic spices in a clay pot. Rich in flavor and deeply comforting, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve with crusty bread, rice, or potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs of beef (rump, bottom round, or chuck roast)
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4–5 slices of bacon or pork fat
- 3–4 bay leaves
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 2 cups red wine (or beef broth as a substitute)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- Optional: 2-3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine beef, garlic, bay leaves, allspice, and red wine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Pot: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a clay pot or Dutch oven with bacon slices.
- Layer the Ingredients: Add a layer of onions over the bacon, followed by marinated beef. Repeat, finishing with onions on top.
- Add the Marinade: Pour the remaining marinade over the ingredients, ensuring the beef is submerged. Add more wine or broth if needed.
- Cook: Cover and place in the oven. Cook for 3-4 hours, checking occasionally and adding liquid if necessary.
- Serve: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving with crusty bread, rice, or potatoes.
Notes
- If you don’t have a clay pot, a Dutch oven works beautifully.
- Add vegetables like carrots and potatoes for a heartier stew.
- The flavors deepen as the stew sits, making it perfect for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 4-12 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Azorean / Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: ~400mg
- Fat: ~20g
- Saturated Fat: ~8g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~10g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~40g
- Cholesterol: ~110mg
Keywords: Alcatra recipe, Azorean beef stew, Portuguese recipes, traditional clay pot beef, slow-cooked stew