Ensopado de Cabrito

Ensopado de Cabrito – Young goat stew with wine, garlic, and bay leaf.

Ensopado de Cabrito is a classic Angolan stew showcasing tender young goat simmered in a fragrant wine-and-herb sauce. Chunks of cabrito (young goat meat) are seasoned with salt, pepper, and often garlic and bay leaf, then slowly braised in white wine and stock. This method yields succulent, fall-apart meat and a savory gravy enriched by the wine and aromatics. The dish has Iberian roots (ensopado means “in sauce” in Portuguese) but is adapted to Angolan tastes with the use of cabrito, local spices, and sometimes a dash of palm oil. The wine adds bright acidity, while bay leaf and a squeeze of lemon contribute herbal and citrus notes. Some cooks even stir in coconut milk or a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle exotic twist, reflecting Angola’s blend of African and Portuguese influences.

This hearty stew is often served at family gatherings or weekend meals due to its rich flavor and special-occasion feel. It pairs beautifully with funge (cassava or cornmeal porridge) or soft bread to soak up the savory sauce. Because goat meat is lean, cooking it slowly in liquid is essential to keep it tender. The preparation starts with marinating or simply searing the meat, then building a flavor base with onions, garlic, and wine. The result is a deep, complex dish: each bite delivers wine-infused gravy, tender herb-tinged goat, and just a hint of sweetness. The recipe below outlines the steps for making this stew from scratch.

Ensopado de Cabrito (Angolan Goat Stew with Wine)

Recipe by Travel S HelperCourse: Main, StewCuisine: AngolanDifficulty: Medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

75

minutes
Calories

350

kcal

Ensopado de Cabrito is a savory Angolan goat stew braised in white wine. First, goat pieces are browned in oil and then simmered with sliced onions, garlic, bay leaf, and white wine. After the wine reduces, broth is added and the stew is covered to cook slowly. The goat is cooked until very tender, then lemon juice and seasonings are added to brighten the sauce. The result is an aromatic, hearty stew. Serve it hot with funge or bread for an authentic Angolan meal.

Ingredients

  • Goat Meat (Cabrito): 500 g young goat, cut into 1-2 inch pieces. (Tender goat or lamb works best.)

  • Olive Oil: 2 Tbsp – for browning the meat.

  • Onion: 1 large, sliced.

  • Garlic: 4 cloves, crushed.

  • White Wine: 1 cup – adds acidity and depth. (Substitute: beer or dilute vinegar + water.)

  • Broth/Water: 2 cups – to simmer the stew. (Use chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor.)

  • Bay Leaves: 2 – for herbal aroma.

  • Seasonings: Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste.

  • Lemon Juice: 1 Tbsp (optional) – brightens the sauce at the end.

  • (Optional) Garnish: Chopped parsley or cilantro. 1 tsp paprika or chili flakes for color and mild heat.

Directions

  • Season the goat meat with salt and pepper. In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the goat pieces and brown them on all sides (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

  • In the same pot, add the sliced onion and crushed garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant (3–4 minutes), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

  • Return the browned goat to the pot. Pour in the white wine and add the bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil and let the wine reduce by about half (2–3 minutes).

  • Add the broth or water to the pot, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the stew for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the goat is very tender.

  • Once the meat is tender, uncover and stir in the lemon juice (if using) and paprika or chili flakes (if using). Simmer for another 5 minutes to incorporate these flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered a few more minutes. The goat should pull apart easily with a fork.

  • Serve the Ensopado de Cabrito hot, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro. It is traditionally enjoyed with funge (cassava/corn porridge) or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Tips, Troubleshooting & Variations

  • Serving Suggestions & Pairings: Ladle the stew over funge or serve with bread for a hearty meal. Lightly steamed vegetables or a fresh salad on the side provide balance. A crisp white wine or cold beer complements the wine-infused sauce.
  • Storage & Reheating: Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed. The flavors will mellow and blend over time, making it excellent the next day.
  • Variations & Substitutions: (1) Use lamb or beef (stewing cut) instead of goat. (2) Substitute red wine or dark beer for the white wine for a richer sauce. (3) Stir in coconut milk or cream near the end for extra richness. (4) Add root vegetables (carrots, potatoes) with the broth for a complete one-pot meal.
  • Chef’s Tips: Marinate the goat in wine and herbs for 30 minutes beforehand for extra depth. Brown the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding. Keep a low simmer after adding liquids (rapid boiling can toughen meat). Skim any foam for a clearer sauce. Let the stew rest a few minutes off heat before serving to settle.
  • Optional Add-Ons: Chop onions and garlic ahead of time to save prep time. You can also marinate the goat overnight in wine for more flavor. (Shopping List: goat (or lamb), white wine, onions, garlic, bay leaves, parsley.)
  • Equipment Needed: - Heavy pot or Dutch oven – for braising. - Skillet (optional) – for browning meat. - Cutting board and sharp knife – for prep. - Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring. - Measuring cups and spoons – for liquids and spices. - Serving bowl and utensils – to enjoy the stew.