Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 lbs beef round steak , cut into thin strips
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large onion , thinly sliced
2 green peppers , cut into thin strips
6 garlic cloves , minced
6 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can Italian plum tomatoes , crushed with your hands , with their juice
1 1/2 cups water
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup ditalini
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
Mood Beef (Portuguese Beef Stew) is a traditional dish from Portugal that has gained popularity all over the world for its rich taste and easy preparation. It is called 'Mood' because of the way it elevates your spirits with its warm and comforting flavors. The beef is thinly sliced and cooked to perfection with onions, green peppers, garlic, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes. Spices like bay leaf and crushed red pepper flakes add depth and complexity to the stew. The ditalini pasta provides a nice contrast in texture and helps soak up the delicious sauce.

Instructions

1.In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2.Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper.
3.Add the beef to the pot and brown on all sides.
4.Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
5.In the same pot, add the onion and green peppers and cook until softened.
6.Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
7.Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes with their juices, water, bay leaf, crushed red pepper flakes, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
8.Add the beef back to the pot and bring to a boil.
9.Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1 hour.
10.Remove the bay leaf and serve the stew in bowls, sprinkled with minced parsley leaves and accompanied with ditalini pasta.

PROS

Mood Beef (Portuguese Beef Stew) is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful meal that is easy to make and perfect for chilly days.

The beef is tender and infused with the flavors of the vegetables and spices.

CONS

This stew is high in sodium and calories due to the addition of tomato paste and canned tomatoes.

The preparation time is relatively long and requires some skill in handling the beef and vegetables.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Beef is a rich source of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients that are important for muscle function, blood health, and overall well-being.
The vegetables in this stew contribute fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support digestion, immunity, and antioxidant activity.

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