Stracottoitalianbeefstew 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 purée, and let the wine cook away. Pour in the stock, bring to the boil, then place a double layer of scrunched-up wet greaseproof 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 hob, if needed) with freshly cooked tagliatelle, and finely grate over a little Parmesan, to serve. Double win.

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.

STRACOTTO AL CHIANTI: BEEF BRAISED IN CHIANTI

Steps:

• In a stew pot, heat up the extra-virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef, onions and garlic. Sear for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add all of the wine. It should be enough to cover the beef. Season with salt and whole peppercorns.
• Bring the wine to a boil. Lower the heat and allow it to gently simmer for approximately 2 hours.

STRACCIATELLA SOUP

Steps:

• Bring chicken stock to a simmer in a medium-size saucepan.
• Whisk together the eggs, Parmesan, parsley, and salt. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the stock while stirring. Continue to stir until the eggs are set, about 1 minute. Add baby spinach and stir to wilt. Serve immediately.

CHEESE STRATA

Steps:

• Place the bread cubes into a greased 2-quart shallow baking dish. Beat the soup, milk, eggs and cheese in a medium bowl with a fork or whisk. Pour the milk mixture over the bread cubes. Stir and press the bread cubes into the milk mixture to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Uncover the baking dish.
• Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.