Learn how to make a delicious minor stopped cow without the need for industrialized seasoning a pure flavor of ground beef taken straight from the ribs, with a Minas Gerais grandmother technique, to leave it with seasoning and flavor that is simply irresistible. You know that food that smells like street corners from a distance, it’s this stewed cow recipe that I’m sure you’ll never make any other way recipe on how to make lard.
My Journey into the Authentic Minas Gerais Swamp Cow Recipe
Let me take you on a culinary adventure through the heart of Minas Gerais, where I learned how to create a mouthwatering and authentic swamp cow dish. This traditional recipe passed down from generation, captures the essence of Minas Gerais cuisine without relying on industrialized seasonings. Instead, it embraces the pure flavors of ground beef sourced straight from the ribs, prepared with a technique reminiscent of a Minas Gerais grandmother’s kitchen. The result is an irresistible stewed cow that will transport you to the vibrant street corners of Minas Gerais with just a single bite.
Authentic Minas Gerais Swamp Cow Recipe
Ingredients
- Meaty beef rib
- Salt (to taste)
- Garlic (finely chopped)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Minas lard (or you can use oil or olive oil as an alternative)
- Onion (chopped)
- Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Annatto (for color)
- White wine (dry, optional)
- Bay leaves
- Tomatoes (roughly chopped)
- Cassava (manioc), cut into the desired size
- Water
Please note that the quantities of salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, annatto, white wine, and other seasonings can be adjusted according to your personal preferences. Feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own!
Directions
- Start by seasoning the meaty beef rib. Sprinkle salt to taste over the rib, followed by finely chopped garlic, black pepper, and the juice of half a lemon. Mix the seasonings well and let the rib marinate for at least half an hour.
- In a pan, melt Mina’s lard (or heat oil/olive oil) over medium heat. Add the seasoned beef rib to the pan and brown it on all sides, creating a flavorful crust. This process helps seal in the juices and intensify the flavors.
- Once the rib is nicely browned, remove it from the pan temporarily and set it aside. Add chopped onion to the pan and sauté it until it becomes translucent. This will help deglaze the pan and release the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
- Optionally, add Worcestershire sauce to the pan. This will enhance the aroma and add depth to the broth. Stir well to combine with the onion.
- Return the browned rib to the pan, ensuring that it is well-coated with the onion and Worcestershire sauce mixture. Add annatto to the pan, allowing it to dissolve in the oil and infuse its vibrant color.
- After thoroughly mixing the ingredients, transfer them to a pressure cooker. Add chunks of cassava (manioc) to the pressure cooker, and pour in enough boiling water to cover the ingredients generously. The water will serve as the base for the flavorful broth.
- Close the pressure cooker securely and cook the swamp cow over medium-high heat for around 40-45 minutes. This time may vary depending on the desired tenderness of the meat and cassava. If needed, you can continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes to achieve the desired consistency.
- Once the pressure has dissipated and it is safe to open the cooker, carefully remove the lid. Adjust the salt if necessary to suit your taste preferences.
- The authentic Minas Gerais swamp cow is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve the stewed meat and cassava in bowls, making sure to ladle plenty of the flavorful broth over each portion.
- Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve it with sides such as rice, beans, or traditional Minas Gerais accompaniments.
- Sit back, savor the flavors, and let yourself be transported to the vibrant streets of Minas Gerais with each delightful bite.
Remember, the beauty of cooking lies in the ability to adjust the recipe according to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment and make this authentic Minas Gerais swamp cow recipe your own. Enjoy!
