Stracotto Al Chianti Beef Braised In Chianti Recipes

STRACOTTO

Steps:

• Place the meat in a fairly snug-fitting casserole pan on a medium-low heat with 2 tablespoons of oil, turning with tongs, while you peel the onions, carrots and garlic, trim the celery and fennel, then roughly chop it all to make a soffritto--it cooks low and slow so there's no need to be too precise. Stir into the pan, tie the rosemary and sage together and add, then season with sea salt and black pepper. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until starting to caramelize, stirring the veg and turning the meat occasionally.
• Turn the heat up to high, pour in the wine, stir in the tomato puree, and let the wine cook away. Pour in the stock, bring to the boil, then place a double layer of scrunched-up wet parchment paper on the surface. Reduce to a low heat and cook for around 3 hours, or until the meat is meltingly tender, turning and basting occasionally. Season to perfection.
• Lift the meat out on to a board, carve it into thin slices, and spoon over enough of that incredible sauce to keep the meat nice and juicy. Toss the rest of the sauce (reduce on the stove, if needed) with freshly cooked tagliatelle, and finely grate over a little Parmesan, to serve. Double win.

BEEF CHIANTI

Steps:

• Place beef and flour in a ziplock bag. Add ground black pepper and salt to your liking.
• Seal bag and shake and toss until beef is coated. Set aside.
• Gather your vegetables and chop them all into bite-size chunks. Peel potatoes and do the same. Set aside.
• In a stovetop dutch oven, heat oil until hot. Drop in coated beef cubes and brown lightly.
• Add chopped onion and saute for about 3 minutes. Then add the rest of the vegetables.
• Add the 2 cups of beef broth, one can of tomato sauce and one cup of wine.
• Last, stir in the bay leaf and herbs. Bring to a low boil and turn down to simmer for 1 hour.
• Serve with a crusty bread. Mmmmm!
• After the hour is over, if you would like the broth thicker, you can add 2 tablespoons of flour to about 1/2 cup of cold water, shake and stir it in to thicken. (this is optional). It just depends on how you prefer your stew. For thinner, add a little water. Mine never seems to turn out the same way twice so I added this for an option. :-).

STRACOTTO (ITALIAN BEEF STEW)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius.
• In a saucepan over high heat boil the red wine for 15 minutes. Set aside.
• Season the beef with salt and pepper.
• In a casserole dish over high heat brown the beef in the olive oil.
• Add red wine, stock and remaining ingredients.
• Bring to a simmer, then cover and place in the oven.
• Turn the heat down to 160 degrees celsius and cook for 2 hours.
• Take beef and pork out of the pan and set aside.
• Strain liquid into a bowl and cool slightly.
• Discard herbs. Place carrot, celery and garlic in a blender and puree until smooth, adding enough of the reserved liquid to make a smooth sauce. Return to the pan with the beef.
• Return the pan to the oven for a further 45 minutes or until the meat has fallen apart into the sauce.