Molho Beef

Molho Beef Recipe from Portugal - Ingredients: Steak, Onions, Potatoes, Carrots, Tomatoes, Salt, Garlic Powder, Allspice

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Molho Beef is a traditional Portuguese dish that is hearty and flavorful. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. The layers of tender sandwich steak, liver, onions, potatoes, and carrots create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Molho Beef has been a staple in Portuguese cuisine for generations. This dish originated in the Alentejo region of Portugal, where it was traditionally made with locally sourced ingredients. The combination of meats and vegetables cooked in a savory tomato sauce has been passed down through families and is a beloved comfort food in Portuguese households.

Ingredients

Sandwich steaks or cubed steak (enough to serve)
liver (optional but adds to the dish)
3 large onions
1 lb (454 g) of small potatoes or cut up large ones
1 lb (454 g) of carrots cut up in large pieces
1 can of stewed tomatoes
1 tsp of soy sauce
salt and pepper to taste
0.25 tsp of garlic powder
0.25 tsp of allspice
Portuguese allspice

How to prepare

Prepare this dish by layering the ingredients.
You can create layers by repeating the same ingredients or by dividing them to make multiple thin layers of each component.
In a large pan, place the potatoes and carrots and cover them with water.
Begin cooking the potatoes and carrots.
In a separate pan, brown the steaks and liver.
Once browned, place the steaks and liver over the potatoes and carrots.
Using the same pan used for the steaks, brown the onion and place it on top of the meats. Add the tomatoes over the onion.
Season with 1 tsp of salt, 0.25 tsp of pepper, and 0.25 tsp of garlic powder.
Cover the pan and simmer until the potatoes and carrots are cooked, approximately 5.5 to 2 hours.

Variations

Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Use different cuts of meat, such as pork or chicken, for a unique twist on this traditional dish.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of Molho Beef.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the meats before layering them with the vegetables. This will help to seal in the juices and create a rich flavor.

- Be sure to season each layer generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

- Simmer the Molho Beef on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Molho Beef with crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. A side salad or steamed greens would also complement this dish nicely.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the ingredients in a large pan and simmering them slowly allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and flavorful dish. Be sure to brown the meats before layering them to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are not a fan of liver, you can omit it from this recipe. You can also substitute the sandwich steak with another cut of beef or even pork if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Molho Beef can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Molho Beef in a large serving dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color. You can also garnish the dish with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Molho Beef with a robust red wine, such as a Portuguese Douro or Alentejo blend, to complement the rich flavors of the dish. A side of crusty bread or rice will help to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Molho Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Molho Beef contains approximately 400 calories. This dish is a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for a hearty dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Molho Beef contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The potatoes and carrots in this dish provide a good source of complex carbohydrates, which are essential for energy production and overall health.

Fats

Molho Beef is a rich and hearty dish that contains approximately 20 grams of fat per serving. The combination of meats and vegetables cooked in a savory tomato sauce contributes to the overall fat content of this dish.

Proteins

Each serving of Molho Beef contains approximately 40 grams of protein. The sandwich steak and liver in this dish are excellent sources of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Molho Beef is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a good source of vitamins and minerals. The potatoes and carrots in this recipe are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, which are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains liver, which may be a common allergen for some individuals. Please be mindful of any food allergies or sensitivities when preparing this dish.

Summary

Molho Beef is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This hearty meal is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Summary

Molho Beef is a traditional Portuguese dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy family dinner. This dish features layers of tender sandwich steak, liver, onions, potatoes, and carrots cooked in a savory tomato sauce. Customize this recipe with your favorite herbs and spices for a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve Molho Beef with crusty bread or rice and a side salad for a complete and comforting dining experience. Enjoy this classic Portuguese dish with your loved ones for a memorable meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a rainy day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and fragile, but the recipes were still as enticing as ever.

As I flipped through the pages, I came across a recipe for Molho Beef. The ingredients were simple – beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a handful of spices. But the method of cooking was what caught my eye. The recipe called for slow cooking the beef in a rich, flavorful sauce until it was tender and falling apart. It sounded delicious, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I had never made Molho Beef before, but I was no stranger to cooking. I had learned to cook at a young age, watching my own mother in the kitchen as she prepared meals for our large family. I had picked up tips and tricks along the way, and had even developed a few signature dishes of my own.

But Molho Beef was something new and exciting. It was a recipe that spoke to me, calling out to be made and shared with my loved ones. So, I gathered the ingredients and set to work.

I started by browning the beef in a hot skillet, the rich aroma of searing meat filling the kitchen. Next, I added the onions and garlic, letting them soften and release their fragrant oils. Then came the tomatoes, their bright red color adding a burst of freshness to the dish.

I seasoned the mixture with a blend of spices – paprika, cumin, and a hint of cinnamon – to give it depth and complexity. And finally, I poured in a generous amount of beef broth, letting the sauce simmer and thicken until it coated the back of a spoon.

As the Molho Beef cooked, the flavors melded together, creating a rich and savory dish that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The beef became tender and succulent, the sauce thick and luscious, with just a hint of heat from the spices.

When it was finally ready, I served the Molho Beef over a bed of fluffy rice, the sauce soaking into the grains and creating a perfect bite of comfort and warmth. My family gathered around the table, their eyes lighting up at the sight and smell of the dish before them.

As they took their first bites, I watched with bated breath, hoping that they would enjoy the fruits of my labor. And enjoy it they did. The Molho Beef was a hit, with everyone going back for second helpings and asking for the recipe.

From that day on, Molho Beef became a staple in our household, a dish that we would turn to time and time again when we needed a comforting meal to warm our souls. I made it for birthdays and holidays, for Sunday dinners and weeknight meals, each time tweaking the recipe just a bit to suit our tastes.

But no matter how many times I made it, the magic of that first batch of Molho Beef never faded. It was a recipe that had captured my heart and soul, a dish that had brought my family together and filled our home with love and laughter.

And as I sat at the table, surrounded by my loved ones, savoring each delicious bite of Molho Beef, I knew that this recipe was one that I would cherish for the rest of my days. For it wasn't just a dish – it was a memory, a tradition, a piece of my heart that I would pass down to future generations, so that they too could experience the joy and comfort that comes from a homemade meal made with love.