Teresa's Recipes
Ensopado de Borrego - Traditional Portuguese Lamb Stew
Warm your soul with this traditional Portuguese Ensopado de Borrego, a rustic and hearty lamb stew that's been a beloved comfort food for generations. This dish, steeped in history, was often served to sustain farmers throughout their long, hard-working days. Now, it continues to be a centerpiece at family gatherings, offering a taste of Portugal's rich culinary heritage. The lamb is simmered to tender perfection, absorbing the flavors of aromatic herbs and spices, while potatoes and carrots add a wholesome touch.
Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb meat, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 Onions, chopped
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup White wine
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 2 Bay leaves
- 4 Potatoes, cubed
- 2 Carrots, sliced
- to taste Salt and pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 1350mg
- Sugar: 6g
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lamb chunks and brown on all sides. Once browned, remove the lamb and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they become soft and translucent.
- Return the browned lamb to the pot. Pour in the white wine, allowing it to deglaze the pot, scraping off any bits stuck to the bottom.
- Add the paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This slow cooking process will help the lamb absorb all the flavors.
- After 1 hour, add the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots to the stew. Continue to simmer for another hour, or until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Tips
- For a variation, you can add a can of diced tomatoes when you add the potatoes and carrots. Some regions in Portugal also add a handful of fresh mint to the stew at the very end of cooking.