Polynesian Sofegada

Ingredients

In the original Portuguese Sofegada, the dish primarily consists of meat, potatoes, and aromatic spices. However, in the Polynesian adaptation, tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, and papaya are added to infuse the dish with a distinct Polynesian flavor profile. Additionally, the spices used in the Polynesian Sofegada are influenced by the traditional spices found in Polynesian cuisine, such as ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass. We alse have the original recipe for Sofegada, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork or beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) pork or beef, cubed
• 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice
• 1 cup (240ml) mango juice 1 cup (240ml) mango juice
• 1 cup (240ml) papaya juice 1 cup (240ml) papaya juice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely chopped 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Cooked rice, for serving Cooked rice, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 15g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the pineapple juice, mango juice, and papaya juice. Add the cubed pork or beef to the bowl and marinate for at least 1 hour.
2. 2.
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the marinated meat to the pot, along with the grated ginger, turmeric powder, lemongrass, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4.
   Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. 5.
   Once the meat is cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
6. 6.
   Serve the Polynesian Sofegada over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and aroma.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pineapple — Choose a ripe and sweet pineapple for the best flavor. If fresh pineapple is not available, you can use canned pineapple chunks in juice as a substitute.
• Mango — Look for ripe mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch. The sweetness of the mango will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Papaya — Use ripe papaya for its sweet and tropical taste. Make sure to remove the seeds and peel before using.
• Lemongrass — To release the aromatic oils, bruise the lemongrass stalk with the back of a knife before finely chopping it.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice to the dish just before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a small amount of chili pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
• Experiment with different tropical fruits such as guava or passion fruit to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• To save time, you can use a slow cooker instead of a pot for the cooking process. Simply follow the same steps and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Polynesian Sofegada hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness. This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a tropical fruit salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the Polynesian Sofegada on a large serving platter with the rice as the base. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for an added touch of green. Serve with colorful tropical fruit slices on the side for an eye-catching display.