| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 3 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 30g | 12g | 8g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 35g | 0.8g |
Today, fellow food lovers, we dive into the hearty and aromatic world of my beloved Braised Beef with Tropea Onions recipe. As a Louisiana lady with a French connection, I’ve been blessed with a unique culinary heritage that profoundly influences my cooking. This deliciously homey recipe marries tender, slow-cooked beef with the succulent sweetness of Tropea onions, a product of Calabrian soil, creating a symphony of flavors that tease your palate much like a Creole jambalaya or a classic Coq au Vin. While mainly embodying rustic comfort food, I can say that this Braised Beef with Tropea Onions equally takes a page or two out of my French lineage’s playbook, showing off the elegance of slow-cooked dishes.
The Wholesomeness in Every Bite
Not only does this Braised Beef with Tropea Onions deliver in taste, but it also scores high marks in nutritional benefits. Let’s begin with the beef. This nutrient-dense source of protein is rich in vitamins like B12, which supports neurological function, and minerals like selenium, necessary for a healthy immune system and proper thyroid functioning. On the other side, we have the Tropea onions, a variant known for its sweet taste and numerous health benefits. These purple beauties are chock-full of antioxidants that help guard against damage caused by harmful free radicals and inflammation. They’re also an excellent source of vitamin C, boosting our immune health and vitality.
Timeless Versatility
One of my favorite aspects of this Braised Beef with Tropea Onions recipe is its harmonious blend with a range of different dishes. The richness of the braised beef pairs beautifully with sides like creamy mashed potatoes or simple steamed green beans, taking a simple weekday supper and elevating it to an adventurous culinary feast. If you’re seeking something a bit more diet-friendly, opt for a side of quinoa or wild rice – this will not only increase the fiber content but also deliver a pleasant visual contrast. Bon Appétit also shares a similar braised beef recipe with red onions and wild mushrooms that you might want to try as a variation.
Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family dinner on a stormy night or want to impress a date with a homemade feast that echoes of authenticity, my Braised Beef with Tropea Onions recipe is a route you can take without a second thought. It’s a dish that has a beautiful connection to my own heritage while embracing the flair of Italian country cooking, making it a truly international culinary masterpiece.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs of beef chuck roast
- 6 Tropea onions, peeled and halved
- 1/2 cup of red wine
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Method
Step One
Firstly, season the beef chuck roast with the salt and pepper. Leave it aside and prepare the onions by peeling and halving them.
Step Two
In a large pan, heat up the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, place the beef chuck roast in the pan and sear on all sides until it gets a nice brown color. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
Step Three
When the beef roast is well-seared, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the remaining oil and beef juices in the pan, add the Tropea onions. Cook these for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften and turn slightly brown.
Step Four
After that, add the chopped garlic into the pan and cook for one more minute until the aroma of garlic starts to fill your kitchen.
Step Five
Next, de-glaze your pan with the red wine. Allow this to simmer for a few minutes till the wine reduces by half.
Step Six
Now, return the beef chuck roast to the pan, add the chopped fresh herbs, bay leaves, and pour over the beef broth.
Step Seven
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and allow the roast to braise for about 3 hours.
Step Eight
Finally, check the tenderness of your beef. If it’s fork-tender, it is done. Adjust the seasoning if necessary and serve your Braised Beef with Tropea Onions with your sides of choice.
