Background and History
Italian Braised Beef and Potatoes, known as “Spezzatino con Patate” in Italian, is a hearty and flavorful dish deeply rooted in Italian culinary traditions. Originating from the rustic kitchens of Italy, this slow-cooked masterpiece combines tender beef, aromatic herbs, and potatoes into a comforting one-pot wonder. The dish reflects the essence of Italian home cooking, where simplicity meets rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Beef Stew Meat
2 pounds, cubed.
Potatoes
4 medium-sized, peeled and cubed.
Onion
1 large, finely chopped.
Garlic
3 cloves, minced.
Tomato Paste
2 tablespoons.
Dry Red Wine
1 cup.
Beef Broth
2 cups.
Rosemary
1 sprig.
Thyme
1 sprig.
Bay Leaves
2.
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons.
Salt and Black Pepper
To taste.
Chopped Fresh Parsley
For garnish.
Serves
6
Time
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
2 hours
Total Time
Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Brown the Beef
In a large oven-safe pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Brown the beef cubes on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until softened.
Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the dry red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Add Tomato Paste and Herbs
Stir in tomato paste, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
Return Beef and Add Broth
Return the browned beef to the pot.
Pour in beef broth, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged.
Braise in the Oven
Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Braise for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
Add Potatoes and Finish Cooking
Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, discard the herb sprigs and bay leaves.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
(Values may vary based on specific ingredients and variations)
Calories: ~400 per serving
Protein: ~30g
Fat: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~15g
Notes
Choose a tough cut of beef suitable for braising, such as chuck or stew meat.
Adjust the cooking time based on the desired tenderness of the beef.
Serve over polenta or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Allergy Warning
Check ingredient labels for potential allergens, especially in beef broth.
Customize the recipe to accommodate specific dietary restrictions or allergies.
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