The Christmas holidays are a perfect time to spend time together, at home, savouring the magical atmosphere of Christmas, and they are always a good excuse to spend time in the kitchen cooking up something wonderful, even better if it is a traditional feast rich in flavour. For example, this dish originally from Piedmont: beef braised in Barolo, an all-time classic which is perfect to serve at Christmas time, especially if made carefully following a detailed recipe, step-by-step, to get a flawless result – it will be an incredible success. Thanks to long, slow cooking the braised beef will become very tender, enhanced by a noble Barolo wine, giving your guests a uniquely pleasurable experience. Are you ready to go to work in the kitchen?
* approximate values per serving
Salt the meat and put it in a large bowl together with the herbs and diced vegetables. Then cover everything with the Barolo wine and leave the resulting marinade to rest for 12 hours. Once ready, transfer the meat to a pan with a little olive oil and brown it on all sides for a few minutes. When it is well browned, add the rest of the marinade: the vegetables, herbs and wine. Lower the heat and cover the pan. Leave it to braise slowly for two hours. When ready, remove the meat from the pan, eliminate all the herbs, and with an electric hand blender blitz the remaining sauce. Finally, slice up the braised meat and serve with a little of the blended sauce.
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Here are the ingredients for the braised beef: beef, celery, carrots, onion, herbs, whole sea salt
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Salt the beef with the coarsely ground sea salt and leave for an hour
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Prepare the marinade for the meat with herbs
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Add the coarsely cubed celery, carrots, and onion and cover the meat with the veg
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Add half a litre of Barolo wine and leave to marinate for 12 hours in the fridge
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Remove the meat from the marinade and brown it in a saucepan with some olive oil
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Then add the vegetables from the marinade and continue to brown for a few minutes. Finally add the marinade liquid and bring to the boil
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Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover; cook on a very low flame for two hours
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After 2 hours, remove from the heat, and take the meat out of the pan
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Remove the herbs from the pan and then blitz the remaining cooking liquid with an electric hand blender
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Cut the meat into 1cm thick slices, and serve 3 or 4 per portion
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Pour over some of the blended vegetable and marinade sauce
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The Barolo Braised Beef with Vegetable Side Dishes is a preparation that enriches the main dish with a variety of flavors and textures. To make the dish even more appetizing, you can accompany the braised beef with mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, or a simple green salad. These side dishes not only balance the intense flavor of the meat but also offer a touch of freshness. The vegetables can be cooked in the braising liquid, absorbing all the juices and aromas, creating a well-balanced and inviting dish. Don't forget to serve the braised beef with a good glass of Barolo, the wine that gave its name to this recipe, to further enhance the flavors at the table.
The Piedmontese Barolo Braised Beef is a traditional recipe that best represents the cuisine of Piedmont. This preparation involves the use of Barolo red wine, known for its intense aroma and robust flavor. The slow cooking technique allows the meat to become tender and flavorful, while aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf give the dish an unmistakable fragrance. During cooking, it is essential to maintain a low temperature to allow the meat to absorb all the flavors of the wine and vegetables. Served with a side of polenta or mashed potatoes, the braised beef becomes a perfect dish for special occasions and family dinners, bringing a piece of Piedmontese tradition to the table.
For those who desire a lighter version of the classic Barolo Braised Beef, it can be prepared without added fats, using a marinade based on wine and spices. In this variant, you can opt for pressure cooking, which reduces cooking times and keeps the meat tender without the addition of oil. Additionally, lean cuts of meat, such as the round, can be used, which offers a delicious flavor while maintaining a lower caloric intake. Accompanied by steamed vegetables or salad, the light braised beef is an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.
The beef used in Barolo Braised Beef is an important source of high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins, essential for our body. Iron is crucial for the production of hemoglobin, while B vitamins support energy metabolism. A serving of Barolo braised beef (about 150g) provides approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the cut of meat and preparation. Furthermore, the Barolo wine used in the marinade contains antioxidants that can contribute to good cardiovascular health. However, it is advisable to consume this dish in moderation, especially due to its caloric content and sodium level, resulting from the use of coarse sea salt.
Yes, Barolo Braised Beef can be frozen, making it a practical solution for preparing meals in advance. After cooking the braised beef, it is important to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe food bags. It is advisable to separate the meat from the sauce for better preservation. This way, the braised beef will maintain its texture and flavor even after thawing. When you wish to consume it, you can thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight and then slowly reheat it in a pot or oven, adding a bit of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dish even long after its preparation.