Carne Gizado

Carne Gizado Recipe from Cape Verde - Pork, Potatoes, Mandioca, Yams, Bananas

Region / culture: Cape Verde | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Carne Gizado is a traditional Brazilian dish that features tender cubes of beef cooked with an assortment of root vegetables and bananas. This hearty and flavorful stew is a popular comfort food in Brazil and is perfect for a cozy family meal.

History

Carne Gizado has its roots in Brazilian cuisine, where it has been enjoyed for generations as a hearty and satisfying meal. The dish is often served at family gatherings and special occasions, and is a beloved staple in many Brazilian households.

Ingredients

3-4 lb (1.81 kg) of cubed meat, pork or beef
4-5 white potatoes
3 lb (1.36 kg) of mandioca root
3 medium white yams
3 green bananas

How to prepare

Trim off excess fat, season the meat, and marinate it overnight with salt, garlic, vinegar, bay leaf, and pepper.
Peel and cut up potatoes, yams, mandioca, and green bananas.
In a pot, cook the meat with the marinade, 3 onions, and 0.5 cup of cooking oil on low heat until it is medium done.
Add all the vegetables to the meat and cover them with water. Cook on low heat until the vegetables are cooked.
Season with salt, garlic, bay leaf, paprika, and pepper.

Variations

Add some diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Use different root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or cassava, for a unique twist.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the dish to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinating the beef overnight helps to infuse it with flavor and tenderize the meat.

- Cooking the meat on low heat ensures that it becomes tender and juicy.

- Adding the vegetables towards the end of the cooking process helps them retain their texture and flavor.

- Seasoning the stew with a blend of spices adds depth and complexity to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Carne Gizado is traditionally served with white rice, black beans, and a side of farofa (toasted cassava flour). You can also enjoy it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Carne Gizado is to cook the meat low and slow to ensure it becomes tender and flavorful. Be patient and allow the stew to simmer gently until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find mandioca root, you can substitute it with cassava or yuca. Similarly, if you don't have white yams, you can use sweet potatoes instead. Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables and ingredients.

Make Ahead Tips

Carne Gizado tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld together overnight. Simply reheat the stew gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Carne Gizado in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color. You can also garnish the dish with some sliced bananas for a fun and unexpected twist.

Pairing Recommendations

Carne Gizado pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including white rice, black beans, farofa, and salad. For drinks, consider serving it with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Carne Gizado in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Carne Gizado contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Carne Gizado is a carbohydrate-rich dish, thanks to the inclusion of potatoes, yams, mandioca, and bananas. These starchy vegetables provide a good source of energy and fiber.

Fats

The cooking oil used in this recipe adds a small amount of fat to the dish. However, you can adjust the amount of oil to suit your dietary preferences.

Proteins

The beef in Carne Gizado is a rich source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. This dish provides a hearty dose of protein to keep you feeling satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

The variety of vegetables in Carne Gizado provide a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains beef and cooking oil, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Carne Gizado is a well-rounded dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a hearty and nutritious meal that is sure to satisfy your hunger.

Summary

Carne Gizado is a delicious and comforting Brazilian stew that features tender beef and an assortment of root vegetables. This hearty dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy it with rice, beans, and a side of farofa for a truly authentic Brazilian experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was hit with the most wonderful aroma. Maria was standing over the stove, stirring a big pot of Carne Gizado, a traditional Portuguese beef stew.

I watched her in awe as she added ingredients like onions, garlic, tomatoes, and potatoes to the pot. The beef was simmering away, filling the kitchen with a mouth-watering smell that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

Maria noticed my interest and invited me to stay for dinner. As we sat down to eat, I couldn't get enough of the Carne Gizado. The beef was tender and flavorful, the vegetables were perfectly cooked, and the broth was rich and savory. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Over the next few weeks, I visited Maria often, watching her cook and asking her questions about the recipe. She showed me how to brown the beef before adding it to the pot, how to sauté the onions and garlic until they were golden and fragrant, and how to season the stew with paprika, bay leaves, and a splash of red wine.

I took notes and practiced making Carne Gizado in my own kitchen. At first, my attempts were a bit clumsy and the flavors weren't quite right. But with each batch, I got a little better. I adjusted the seasoning, experimented with different cooking times, and eventually, I felt like I had mastered the recipe.

I started making Carne Gizado for my family and friends, and it quickly became a favorite. My grandchildren would come running when they heard that I was cooking it, eager to help chop vegetables or stir the pot. It became a tradition in our household, a meal that brought us all together around the dinner table.

As the years went by, I continued to refine my recipe for Carne Gizado. I added new spices and herbs, tried different cuts of beef, and even experimented with substituting ingredients when I didn't have everything on hand. But no matter what changes I made, the essence of the dish remained the same – hearty, comforting, and delicious.

I shared my recipe with anyone who asked, passing it down to my children and grandchildren. I told them the story of how I learned to make Carne Gizado from my dear friend Maria, and how it had become a beloved part of our family's culinary heritage.

Now, whenever I make Carne Gizado, I think of Maria and the day that she first introduced me to this wonderful dish. I can still picture her standing in her kitchen, stirring the pot with a smile on her face, and I am grateful for the gift of her friendship and her delicious recipe. Cooking is not just about following instructions – it's about sharing stories, creating memories, and bringing people together around the table. And that, to me, is the true magic of food.