| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 560 | 30g | 10g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 8g | 22g | 1.5g |
Why I Love Portuguese Palm Heart Stew
Over the years, my culinary explorations have led me to try various global cuisines and adapt them into my kitchen repertoire. Among them, one dish that has truly found a place in my heart (and stomach!) is a classic Portuguese recipe, Palm Heart Stew. The balance between hearty ingredients and a tangy tomato-based broth creates an utterly comforting medley of flavors that brings me joy every time!
Rediscovering The Tastes of Portugal
My journey with this recipe started when I had the pleasure of meeting celebrity chef José Avillez, who is renowned for his inventive twists on traditional Portuguese cuisine. His use of local and authentic ingredients to create vibrant, mouth-watering dishes truly inspired me. In my rendition of Palm Heart Stew, I aim to capture the same spirit of bringing together simple, quality ingredients.
A Stew Fit For Any Meal
This recipe shares a family resemblance with Chourico a Bombeiro, another spicy Portuguese stew that involves grilling chorizo over alcohol. The smoky, spicy elements are akin to my Montana roots, whereas the use of hearty ingredients and fresh cilantro provides a delightful connection with my signature bison burgers and huckleberry pies.
When considering what dishes could accompany Palm Heart Stew, traditional Portuguese cornbread (known as broa) naturally comes to mind. This rustic cornbread would perfectly mop up the stew’s robust and tangy sauce. A nice green salad with a vinaigrette dressing could easily contrast the rich flavors of the stew, making for a more balanced and complete dinner.
In conclusion, the Palm Heart Stew epitomizes the type of cooking that excites me: it’s hearty, full of robust flavors, and yet, maintains a certain simplicity that grounds it in tradition. Whether you’re serving this up for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this Portuguese recipe is sure to be a hit at your table.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 pound chorizo sausage, sliced
- 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (14 oz each) hearts of palm, drained and sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 6 cups cooked white rice, for serving
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté these ingredients until the onion becomes translucent.
Step Two
Add the sliced chorizo sausage to the pot. Continue to cook until the sausage is browned on all sides.
Step Three
Pour in the 2 cans of diced tomatoes, along with their juice. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
Step Four
Add the drained and sliced hearts of palm to the pot, stirring them in. Season the stew with paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Step Five
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 20 minutes.
Step Six
Uncover the pot and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. Let the stew cook for a few more minutes.
Step Seven
Serve the Palm Heart Stew warm over cooked white rice. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting dish!
