Mediterranean Diet Estofado de Carrillera de Ternera

Savor the hearty, slow-cooked flavors of the Mediterranean Diet Estofado de Carrillera de Ternera, a Spanish-inspired beef cheek stew that’s both nourishing and indulgent. Tender beef cheeks are seared to perfection and simmered for hours in a fragrant medley of red wine, canned tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Complemented by a colorful array of vegetables, including carrots, celery, and bell pepper, this dish embodies the wholesome, olive oil-rich principles of the Mediterranean diet. Perfect for cozy dinners, this melt-in-your-mouth stew is served with a garnish of fresh parsley, offering a beautiful balance of rustic flavors and elegant simplicity. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a truly satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:210 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 800 grams beef cheeks
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium onions
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 400 grams canned tomatoes
• 250 milliliters red wine
• 500 milliliters beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Begin by patting the beef cheeks dry with a paper towel and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Step 2

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cheeks in batches, searing them on all sides until they are browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly.

Step 6

Pour in the red wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce by half, which should take about 5 minutes.

Step 7

Add the canned tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Return the beef cheeks to the pot, submerging them in the liquid. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer.

Step 9

Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef cheeks are tender and easily shreddable.

Step 10

Once cooked, discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Adjust the seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 11

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Mediterranean Diet Estofado de Carrillera de Ternera with a side of steamed vegetables or a light green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2628.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2170.1

Total Fat 101.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.0g
Cholesterol 728mg	0%
Sodium 5318.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 73.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.2g	0%
Total Sugars 41.9g
Protein 197.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 446.4mg	0%
Iron 27.7mg	0%
Potassium 5629.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.7%

Protein: 39.6%

Carbs: 14.7%