Estofado
Estofado is a hearty, flavorful beef stew infused with red wine, dried fruits, and aromatic herbs. Its rich, savory taste is complemented by tender beef and a touch of sweetness from raisins and apricots. Perfect for cozy dinners, it pairs wonderfully with rice and is ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. beef stew meat ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 c. dry red wine ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomatoes
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. raisins ⓘ
- 1/4 c. dried apricots ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried tarragon ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced pitted ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 c. cold water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet, brown beef cubes in hot oil.
- Stir in wine, undrained tomatoes, onion, green pepper, raisins, apricots, salt, pepper, and garlic.
- In a cheesecloth bag, combine basil, thyme, tarragon, and bay leaf.
- Add the herb bag to the meat mixture and simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
- Stir mushrooms and olives into the stew. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes more.
- Discard the herb bag.
- Blend cold water with flour; stir into the stew.
- Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. If you're short on time, you can substitute the beef stew meat with pre-cut beef for quicker cooking. Adding a tablespoon of soy sauce can enhance the umami flavor. Feel free to adjust the dried herbs based on your preference or availability, as fresh herbs can be used as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the estofado over fluffy Pilaf Rice for a delightful pairing. A side of crusty bread can also complement the dish, perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. For a Mediterranean flair, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables to balance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover estofado can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Estofado contains roughly 453 calories, with 13g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (89% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 475mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
What can I substitute for the dried fruits?
If you don't have raisins or dried apricots, you can use other dried fruits like cranberries or figs. Adjust the sweetness to your liking, and remember that the dried fruits add both flavor and texture to the stew.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
To make estofado gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Ensure all other ingredients, especially the broth and wine, are labeled gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).