How to Make Delicious Brazilian Mocotó (Beef Trotter Stew)

A rich, hearty bowl of mocotó is the ultimate comfort food, isn’t it? It’s the perfect dish to warm you up as the weather turns chilly. Today, we’re sharing a wonderful Brazilian Beef Trotter Stew recipe that will satisfy any craving. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Beef Trotter Stew:

• 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) beef trotters, cleaned and cut;
• 7 oz (200g) bacon, diced;
• 7 oz (200g) smoked sausage (like kielbasa or Spanish chorizo);
• 1 medium tomato, diced;
• 1 medium onion, diced;
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced;
• 4 garlic cloves, minced;
• Fresh parsley, to taste;
• Paprika (or annatto powder), to taste;
• Black pepper, to taste;
• 1 tablespoon salt;
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed;
• 2 small carrots, peeled and sliced.

How to Prepare Brazilian Mocotó:

1. Place the beef trotters in a pressure cooker and cover with water.
2. Cook for about 1 hour, or until they are very tender.
3. While the trotters cook, sauté the diced bacon and sausage in a large pot until golden brown.
4. Add the onion, bell pepper, tomato, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
5. Stir in the paprika, black pepper, and parsley until well combined.
6. Add the cubed potatoes and carrots to the pot and mix well.
7. Once the trotters are cooked, remove them from the pressure cooker, chop into bite-sized pieces, and add them to the vegetable mixture.
8. Add enough water to cover all ingredients. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
9. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
10. Serve hot with white rice and crusty bread.
11. Enjoy!

Pro Tip:

For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice while the vegetables are cooking. This brightens the rich, collagen-heavy broth beautifully.

Did You Know?

Mocotó is a traditional delicacy from Northeastern Brazil. Made by slow-cooking beef trotters for hours, it creates a rich, gelatinous broth that is deeply flavorful and restorative. While it may be a unique discovery for some, it is a beloved staple of Brazilian comfort food.

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