| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 hours – 2 hours 30 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 470 | 30g | 10g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 3g | 40g | 0.7g |
Emerging from the heart of Louisiana, Braised Beef with Pearl Onions is not just another traditional, nutritious, and hearty dish. It is a personal narrative, steeped in a mélange of influencers from my French and Creole roots. This delicacy, like to die for, showcases the medley of rich cultural traditions, imbibed from my dual heritage, and paints every plate with delectable goodness.
Fall in Love with Braised Beef with Pearl Onions
French elegance meets Creole richness – the Braised Beef with Pearl Onions is a pleasurable feast that sways between a nutritious stew and a gourmet main course. Its vegetable-based composition is like a hearty embrace, a nod to both Coq au Vin and Bayou Gumbo Like poetry on a plate, the tender cubes of beef chuck roast are simmered together with the sweetness of pearl onions, the rustic charm of carrots, and comforting potatoes. Whether to pair it with a slice of crusty French baguette or serve it alongside a portion of creamy mashed potatoes, the choice is purely individual, though both gloriously amplify the taste of this mouth-watering fare.
Health Benefits that Jive with Delight
This recipe plate has a lot more to offer than just being a treat for your taste buds. Its nutrient profile is quite impressive and bound to woo health-conscious food enthusiasts. Boasting lean protein from beef, antioxidants from red wine, and an array of much-needed vitamins and minerals from the colorful array of vegetables, this dish is indeed a healthful indulgence. Beef, a rich source of iron, aids in preventing anaemia, while onions and garlic contain bioactive sulfur compounds known for their anticancer and antimicrobial benefits. Not to mention, the healthy doses of beta-carotene from fresh carrots that hold immense vision boosting properties.
Rich, comforting, and incredibly tempting, this recipe of Braised Beef with Pearl Onions is a homage to my dual roots, blending French elegance with Creole richness. Unquestionably, it promises a robust and gratifying dining experience that no one can resist.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups pearl onions, peeled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- Parsley, to garnish
Method
Step One
Start by seasoning the beef cubes with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Step Two
In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the browned beef from the pan and set aside.
Step Three
In the same pan, add the 2 cups of pearl onions and sauté until they start to brown. Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Step Four
Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes, then pour in the 1 cup of red wine. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
Step Five
Pour in the 2 cups of beef broth to the pan. Add the 2 bay leaves and 1 sprig of thyme, and bring the broth to a boil.
Step Six
Return the browned beef to the pan and add the chunks of peeled carrots and potatoes. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Step Seven
Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaves and thyme. If desired, garnish the braised beef and vegetables with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Braised Beef with Pearl Onions!
