| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 3 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 564 | 26g | 9g | 23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 4g | 54g | 1.2g |
For those who have a point of familiarity with my work, you’ll likely have words like hands-on, hearty comfort food and value for flavor come to mind. It’s only fitting that the recipe brought forward here, Braised Beef with Pearl Onions, is a full embodiment of my philosophy in the kitchen and beyond.
The Heart of the Dish
Being born and raised in Nebraska truly shapes the person and the chef I’ve become. Braised Beef with Pearl Onions, to me, mirrors that Midwestern comfort that’s truly gratifying on a Sunday with the family or a chilly winter evening. Its essential elements are simplicity, authenticity, and unconditional savoriness.
Just like the stewed dishes we cherish as kids, this recipe shines by giving time and patience to our ingredients. Adequately-braised beef becomes an undeniable treat, with flavors merging and marrying beautifully with the wine and beef broth. The pearl onions and carrots add that colorful dimension and a sweetness that complements the beef triumphantly.
Good for the Soul, Good for the Heart
Not only is this dish warm and comforting, but it also carries immense nutritional value. Beef, in appropriate portions, is packed with high-quality protein and an array of vital nutrients. Coupled with colorful vegetables rich in diverse vitamins and antioxidants, this dish wholesomely nourishes the body. The use of red wine not only enriches the overall taste but has certain heart-friendly properties in moderate amounts. For more health benefits of red wine click here.
When served together, along with a wholesome fresh farm salad or a side of steamed greens, this dish really does create a balanced meal, both nutritionally and flavor-wise.
A Harmonious Tryst of Flavors
In closing thoughts, to me, this recipe is a harmonious continuity of my culinary journey. Although reminiscent of my homeland’s beef stews, it stands apart with its unique additions, especially the pearl onions, offering that tasty pop of flavor with each bite. The Braised Beef with Pearl Onions could be the heartwarming star of your family dinner or a delectable slow-cooked choice for your next holiday party.
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring other related dishes like Beef Bourguignon and Coq au Vin, which likewise offer an immersion into the rustic, hearty world of braised culinary wonders. I do hope you find as much joy in preparing and consuming this dish as I do.
Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of beef stew meat
- 24 pearl onions
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cups of red wine
- 4 cups of beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 pound of carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef to the pot and cook until all sides are browned. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Step Two
Add the pearl onions to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned. Then, add the minced garlic to the pot and stir, cooking until the garlic becomes fragrant. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
Step Three
Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the tomato paste appears to be slightly darkened. Then, pour in the red wine and continue to stir, scrapping the bottom of the pot to deglaze it.
Step Four
Return the browned beef to the pot along with the carrots. Add in the beef broth, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step Five
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure the ingredients are well combined and to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step Six
When the beef is tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the braised beef and pearl onions garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
