Fragrant Stew with Wine and Herbs
My husband and I are almost vegetarian, meaning that we tend to forget about meat and to serve it only when we have guests who expect it. But a few of you have been asking for a winter-appropriate meat dish, and here you go! You are going to love this slow-cooked recipe, because it’s very simple and yet elegant. Perfect for a date! As always with Italian cuisine, don’t skimp on the ingredients. Use a wine that you would actually enjoy drinking – it will cost more, but it’s totally worth it! Just think of this as a special occasion dish. Wines that work well are dry and with a lot of body: Barolo, Chianti, Super-Tuscans, Bordeaux, etc. The meat should be cut into approx. 1″ cubes.
Ingredients
- (serves 4-6)
- 2 pounds beef for stew
- 2 large onions
- 1 bottle dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons potato starch
- 6 cloves garlic, each cut into 4 lenghth-wise
- 1 carrot
- a small rosemary sprig
- a few sage leaves
- 4-5 juniper berries
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- extra-virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
Directions
With a sharp knife, make a small cut in each cube of meat and insert a piece of garlic in each cut. Marinade the meat for 24 hours with the wine, vinegar, garlic, juniper berries and herbs.
Heat 4 tablespoons oil in a heavy pot, add the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minute.
Drain and dry the meat, dip it in potato starch, and brown it on all sides.
Remove the meat and set aside; cook the onion on medium/low heat for 10-15 more minutes or until soft, adding a couple of tablespoons of water if necessary to prevent it from burning.
Return the meat to the pot (you can also use a slow-cooker) with at least ½ of the marinade liquid, add salt and pepper, and simmer for at least 3 hours or even longer on low heat. It can take closer to 4 hours, depending on the cut of meat: when it's ready, it will fall apart easily if you test it with a fork.
Enjoy with potatoes or polenta, or some crunchy Italian bread.
Some people prefer to remove most of the rosemary and sage leaves before serving.
http://dinnerinvenice.com/2011/12/29/fragrant-stew-with-wine-and-herbs/
