Cozido à Portuguesa with Chouriço and Mushrooms

Ingredients

• Water (8 cups)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Paprika (1 tablespoon)
• Bay leaves (2)
• Mushrooms (2 cups, sliced)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Onion (1 large, chopped)
• Cabbage (1 small head, chopped)
• Potatoes (4, peeled and cubed)
• Carrots (3, sliced)
• Chicken thighs (4, bone-in)
• Pork ribs (1 pound)
• Beef stew meat (1 pound, cubed)
• Chouriço sausage (1 pound, sliced)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chouriço sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the beef stew meat, pork ribs, and chicken thighs. Cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the sliced mushrooms, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, mixing well to combine.
5. Sprinkle the paprika over the ingredients in the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the bay leaves and pour in the water, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 3 hours, or until the meats are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
8. Once cooked, carefully remove the bay leaves. Serve the Cozido à Portuguesa hot, arranging the meats and vegetables on a large platter. Enjoy with crusty bread for a complete meal!