Mocotó is a standout Brazilian dish that continues to win over new fans.
Mocotó is another signature dish of Brazilian cuisine and one that is not dissimilar to feijoada. Mocotó means, quite literally, “paw of animal” and is a word that is derived from either “mukoto”, from the Quimbundo language, or “mbo-coto” from tupi. It might seem a little odd, but in fact this is precisely what the dish consists of: boiled cow’s feet served with various condiments. Alternatively the recipe can centre on some other limb or extremity, depending on the cook’s preference.
A close relation to the fabled feijoada, mocotó is made using white beans and is a healthy plate for a number of reasons. Many assume that it is the broth that is moth beneficial to ones health, but the reality is that the whole dish—with all the trimmings—is a real health booster. It is packed with vitamins, collagen (which strengthens muscles and joints), and improves metabolism. What’s more, it is said to be a natural aphrodisiac! Certainly a plate worth trying…
Ingredients
- 500g of mocotó (cow’s feet)
- 2 onions
- 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 red pepper
- 1 bouquet of coriander
- 200g of white beans
- 2 potatoes
- 1 carrot
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Preparation
- Wash the cow’s feet thoroughly and put to boil in a pan with salt and water for fifteen minutes.
- Change out the water from the pan, add a little more salt, add a sliced onion, carrot and lemon.
- Cook until the meat loosens from the bone.
- Set aside the broth from the boil.
- Separate the meat from the bone, remove the skin, and cut the meat into pieces.
- Brown a chopped onion and the garlic in another pan.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and peppers and cook for five minutes on a low heat.
- Add the meat, white beans, potatoes, broth and sliced carrots.
- Season with salt and pepper and cook until vegetables soften.
