Beef shanks are a classic dish in Portuguese cuisine, known for their rich and hearty flavors. This recipe for Portuguese beef shanks is a must-try for any foodie looking to expand their culinary horizons. The tender and succulent meat paired with aromatic herbs and vegetables will transport your taste buds to the picturesque landscapes of Portugal. Follow this easy and professional recipe to impress your family and friends with a taste of Portuguese tradition.
Portuguese Fish Stew, also known as Caldeirada, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a chilly evening. This traditional Portuguese dish is made with a variety of fish and seafood, such as cod, clams, and shrimp, simmered in a rich tomato and wine broth. The result is a comforting and delicious meal that will transport you to the coast of Portugal.
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Portuguese Collard Greens and Beef Soup
Main Ingredients: Roast, Beef, Beef Shank, Salt, Water, Onion, Garlic
This hearty soup is a staple in Portuguese households. It's made with tender beef, potatoes, and collard greens, all simmered in a flavorful broth. The collard greens add a delicious, slightly bitter flavor to the soup, and the beef becomes tender and juicy after cooking for hours. This soup is perfect for a cold winter day, and it's also a great way to get your daily dose of greens.
Caçoila, or Portuguese Stewed Beef, is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or used as a filling for sandwiches and tacos. The beef is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, garlic, and wine, and then slow-cooked until it becomes tender and falls apart. This dish is perfect for a crowd, and it's also a great option for meal prepping.
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Portuguese Orange Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Oranges, All
Portuguese Orange Cake, or Bolo de Laranja, is a popular dessert in Portugal. This cake is incredibly moist and has a light and refreshing citrus flavor. It's made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and fresh orange juice, and it's topped with a sweet orange glaze. This cake is perfect for any occasion, and it's sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
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Portuguese Chickpea Salad
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Yellow Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Fresh
This simple and healthy salad is a staple in Portuguese cuisine. It's made with canned chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs, and it's dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. This salad can be served as a side dish or a light lunch, and it's a great way to add some protein and fiber to your diet.
Kale soup, or Caldo Verde, is a traditional Portuguese soup that is loved by locals and tourists alike. This soup is made with kale, potatoes, and linguica, a spicy Portuguese sausage, and it's finished off with a sprinkling of paprika. The combination of flavors in this soup is out of this world, and it's the perfect meal for a chilly day.
This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in Portuguese cuisine. It's made with white beans, spicy linguica sausage, and a variety of herbs and spices. The result is a delicious and comforting meal that can be served as a main course or a side dish. This dish is also great for meal prepping, as it tastes even better the next day.
Portuguese Egg Tarts, or Pastéis de Nata, are one of the most popular desserts in Portugal. These flaky and creamy tarts are made with a buttery crust and a rich custard filling. They are usually served with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, and they are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. These tarts are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
This simple and healthy dish is a staple in Portuguese households. It's made with white fish, such as cod or hake, and is baked in a tomato and onion sauce. The result is a delicious and tender fish that is full of flavor. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, and it's a great way to incorporate more fish into your diet.
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Spicy Portuguese Shrimp
Main Ingredients: Large Shallot, Garlic, Olive Oil, Shrimp, White Wine
If you love spicy food, then you must try this dish. Spicy Portuguese Shrimp, or Gambas à la Guilho, is made with shrimp, garlic, and chili peppers, and it's cooked in a flavorful sauce made with white wine, butter, and lemon juice. This dish is perfect for a date night or a dinner party, as it's sure to impress your guests.
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Portuguese Style Baked Eggs
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic, Crushed Red
This simple and delicious dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Portuguese Style Baked Eggs, or Ovos Mexidos, are made with eggs, tomatoes, and onions, and they are baked until the eggs are set. The result is a flavorful and protein-packed meal that can be served with toast or crusty bread for dipping.
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Portuguese Chicken and Crispy Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Potatoes, Marinade, Ancho Chilies, Smoked
This is a comfort food dish that is loved by many in Portugal. It's made with tender chicken thighs, crispy potatoes, and a flavorful sauce made with wine, garlic, and paprika. This dish is perfect for a Sunday dinner with the family, and it's also a great way to use up any leftover chicken or potatoes.
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Peri-peri Chicken, the Spicy Portuguese Chicken
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chili, Garlic, Lemon, Paprika, Bay Leaf
Peri-peri Chicken, or Frango no Churrasco, is a popular dish in Portugal that is also loved in other parts of the world. This dish is made with chicken marinated in a spicy and flavorful sauce made with peri-peri peppers, lemon juice, and spices. The chicken is then grilled to perfection and served with a side of rice and vegetables. If you love spicy food, this dish is a must-try.
This dish is a fusion of Portuguese and African flavors. Portuguese Shrimp Mozambique is made with shrimp, beer, and a variety of spices, and it's served over a bed of rice. The result is a delicious and unique dish that is perfect for any occasion. This dish is also great for entertaining, as it can easily be scaled up to feed a crowd.
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Portuguese Rolls – Papo Secos
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Warm
If you've ever been to Portugal, you've probably seen these rolls in every bakery and grocery store. Portuguese Rolls, or Papo Secos, are soft and fluffy rolls that are perfect for sandwiches or served with a meal. These rolls are best eaten warm, and they can also be used to make delicious French toast.
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Portuguese Style Parisienne Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Olive Oil, Garlic Salt, Paprika, Dried
These potatoes are a staple in Portuguese cuisine. Portuguese Style Parisienne Potatoes are made with small, round potatoes that are roasted in the oven with garlic, herbs, and olive oil. The result is a crispy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with any protein. These potatoes are also great for meal prepping, as they can be reheated easily.
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French toast (Portuguese style)
Main Ingredients: Bread, Milk, Eggs, Sugar, Cinnamon, Vegetable Oil
Portuguese French toast, or Rabanadas, is a delicious and indulgent breakfast dish that is usually served during the Christmas season in Portugal. It's made with thick slices of bread soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar, and then fried until golden brown. The result is a sweet and decadent breakfast that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
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Portuguese Daisy
Main Ingredients: Port Wine, Brandy, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Grenadine
This refreshing drink is a favorite among Portuguese locals. Portuguese Daisy, or Daisy de Portugal, is made with white wine, orange juice, and a splash of soda water. It's a light and fruity drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. It's also a great option for those who prefer a lighter alcoholic beverage.
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Portuguese Grilled Pork Ribs
Main Ingredients: Pork Rib, White Wine, Garlic, Fresh Thyme, Olive Oil
If you love BBQ, then you must try Portuguese Grilled Pork Ribs. These ribs are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, garlic, and wine, and then grilled to perfection. The result is tender and juicy ribs that are packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for a summer cookout or a family gathering.
These are the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. Portuguese Egg Tarts, or Pastéis de Nata, are a popular dessert in Portugal. These flaky and creamy tarts are made with a buttery crust and a rich custard filling. They are usually served with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, and they are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
Preparing the Beef Shanks
Ingredients:
4 beef shanks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 cup beef broth
1 cup red wine
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
To get the best flavor and texture, it is important to properly prepare the beef shanks. Start by patting the shanks dry with paper towels and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef shanks and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned. This will help seal in the juices and give the shanks a nice crust.
Cooking the Beef Shanks
Remove the beef shanks from the pot and set them aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Then, add the beef broth and red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze it and pick up the flavorful bits from the beef. Add the bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary, and bring the liquid to a simmer.
Next, place the beef shanks back into the pot and cover them with the liquid. Make sure the liquid is covering about 2/3 of the shanks, adding more beef broth or water if needed. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the shanks simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone. This slow cooking method will result in a succulent and flavorful dish.
Serving Suggestions
Once the beef shanks are done cooking, remove them from the pot and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender. Serve the beef shanks over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. You can also garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
This Portuguese beef shanks recipe is a perfect main dish for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. The flavors and aromas will make you feel like you are dining in a quaint Portuguese tavern. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy this traditional and mouth-watering dish that will surely become a favorite in your household.