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Espetada — traditional dish from Funchal, Portugal
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥700kcal
💪50gProtein
🌾3gCarbs
🥑55gFat
🌿1gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten

Also served in

Espetada

How to order / say it
Say it Espetada — [eh-speh-TAH-dah]
Order I'd like to order Espetada, please.
Locally Quero pedir uma Espetada, por favor.
Say locally

Grilled beef skewers seasoned with garlic and salt.

Why try it?

Espetada is a social dish often served during festivities, representing Madeira's tradition of communal meals and celebration.

How it tastes

Tender beef with a rich garlic aroma, slightly charred from the grill, offering a savory taste with hints of smoke.

Origin & History — first documented: 1850

Emerging in the mid-19th century in rural Madeira, Espetada became popular as a communal meal during festivals and gatherings. Its roots lie in the region's pastoral lifestyle.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥩 500 g beef
  • 🧄 4 cloves garlic
  • 🧂 1 tsp salt
  • 🌿 2 leaves bay leaves
  • 🧂 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 🫒 2 tbsp olive oil

Method

  1. 1 Cut the beef into large cubes and season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
  2. 2 Skewer the beef cubes alternately with bay leaves.
  3. 3 Grill over high heat until cooked to desired doneness.
All Europe recipes — Portugal — Funchal — Espetada
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