Vaca Atolada (sem Mandioca, com Legumes Verdes)
Ribs and Vegetable Stew (without Cassava)
Yes, with a tweak: explicitly request 'sem mandioca' (without cassava) and 'com legumes verdes' (with green vegetables). About 11g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Brazilian food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A traditional Brazilian beef rib stew, literally meaning 'cow stuck in mud,' known for its tender, falling-off-the-bone ribs. Traditionally made with cassava (mandioca), this keto version replaces the starchy root with non-starchy green vegetables, maintaining the hearty flavor and richness while drastically reducing carbohydrate content.
Key ingredients
Beef short ribs, onions, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, olive oil, bay leaves, cilantro, parsley, green vegetables (e.g., collard greens, broccoli, green beans), salt, black pepper.
How to make it keto
Explicitly request 'sem mandioca' (without cassava) and 'com legumes verdes' (with green vegetables). Confirm no other starchy vegetables like potatoes are used.
Say this to the waiter (Portuguese)
Para a Vaca Atolada, por favor, sem mandioca e com legumes verdes. Pode confirmar que não leva outros legumes ricos em amido, como batatas?
For the Vaca Atolada, please, no mandioca, add green vegetables. Confirm no other starchy vegetables like potatoes.
Watch out for
The primary risk is the inclusion of cassava. Ensure no hidden sugars in the tomato base or ready-made seasonings. Some restaurants might use a small amount of flour to thicken the stew.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
More on the Brazilian menuAll 1,751 Brazilian dishes ›
