Melt in Your Mouth Beef with Red Wine
Are you looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings and impress your dinner guests? Look no further than this Beef with Red Wine and Pine Nuts recipe.
This recipe combines tender, juicy stewing beef with a rich red wine sauce and crunchy pine nuts for a truly delicious meal. The addition of prunes, carrots, and shallots gives it a sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory flavors of garlic and fresh parsley.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that packs a punch of flavor and leaves you feeling satisfied and happy, look no further than this beef with red wine and pine nuts recipe.
Firstly, let’s talk about the star of the show: red wine. Not only does it add depth to the dish, but it also boasts health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and increasing immune function. And when combined with the crunch of pine nuts, the aroma of fresh parsley, and the tender chunks of beef, this becomes a mouthwatering combination that is simply irresistible.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can use any type of beef cut you have on hand, like stewing beef or chuck roast. And if you want to switch things up a bit, you can substitute the pine nuts with other nuts like almonds or walnuts.
Furthermore, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a fancy dinner party or a cozy night in with your loved ones, this meal will surely impress everyone. It’s sophisticated yet comforting at the same time.
Last but not least, this recipe is straightforward to follow and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. You can whip up this masterpiece in just under two hours! So why not treat yourself and your family to something special? This recipe is a keeper and is guaranteed to become a staple in your meal plan.
In summary, if you’re looking for an unforgettable meal that is hearty, healthy, versatile, and easy to make – this beef with red wine and pine nuts recipe checks all the boxes. It’s truly one of my favorites!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the ingredients we’ll need to make this delicious beef with red wine and pine nuts recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs (1 kg) stewing beef, cut into large cubes
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp (5 g) seasoned salt
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground black pepper
- 1 large shallot, chopped
- 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup (150 g) pitted prunes
- 1/4 cup (30 g) toasted pine nuts
- 4 cups (950 ml) red wine
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp (5 g) fresh parsley, chopped
You can find most of these ingredients in your local grocery store. If you’re short on some items, no worries! Check out our Substitutions and Variations section for some ideas.
The Recipe How-To
Now that I have introduced the wonderful flavors in Beef with Red Wine and Pine Nuts, let me share with you how to create this dish. Don’t be overwhelmed by the long list of ingredients or the multiple steps; this dish is easy to make and worth every minute.
Ingredient List
To create this dish, you will need beef stewing meat, olive oil, salt, pepper, shallots, carrots, dried prunes, red wine, toasted pine nuts, and fresh parsley.
Preparation
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add the seasoned beef pieces, cooking them for around 4-5 minutes until they are crispy on the outside but still tender on the inside. Next, transfer the meat to a plate while keeping it warm. In the same skillet, melt some more butter and add in shallots and carrots, cooking them for about 5 minutes or until soft.
After that, stir in your red wine, dried prunes,and toasted pine nuts. Reduce it for around 5 minutes, then return the beef pieces to the dish. Bring everything up to a boil before turning heat down to low-medium heat and allowing everything to simmer for one hour.
Final Touches
Once your stew has cooked for its hour, stir in some freshly chopped parsley for an extra pop of green color and vibrant flavor. Add any extra salt or pepper if needed.
This recipe serves four to six people with warm crusty bread and a side salad. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts of meat or substitutions; this meal would also be fantastic with leftover beef tenderloin or even chuck roast.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your personal preferences. Here are some possible substitutions and variations you could try:
– Meat: instead of stewing beef, you could use beef tenderloin or chuck roast. Flank steak or Sicilian steak fregola sarda would also work well in this dish.
– Nuts: if pine nuts are not your thing, you could replace them with sliced almonds or chopped walnuts. You could even omit the nuts altogether if there are allergies in the family.
– Vegetables: if you don’t have carrots on hand, you could use celery or parsnip instead. Leeks or onions would also add a nice touch.
– Wine: although red wine is ideal for this recipe, white wine would work too if you prefer a lighter flavor. Dry red wine is recommended, but if you only have sweet red wine at home, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to compensate.
– Prunes: raisins or dried cherries could be substituted for prunes for a slightly different flavor profile.
– Pasta: while this recipe works perfectly as a stand-alone dish, it can be served over cooked pasta as well. Fregola sarda tomato sauce pasta would be an extraordinary match.
Feel free to experiment with these substitutions and make the recipe your own. Remember, cooking is all about creativity and expression!
Serving and Pairing
This succulent Beef with Red Wine and Pine Nuts recipe is a perfect main course for a cozy dinner party with friends and family. The rich tomato sauce of this dish, slightly sweetened by the prunes and sultanas, will pair perfectly with a dry red wine like Merlot or Sangiovese. Make sure to choose a bottle that complements the depth of flavors in the beef.
To enhance the nuttiness of this recipe, try serving it alongside a fresh salad with pine nuts and a balsamic dressing. A side of roasted carrots or sautéed mushrooms tossed in garlic and parsley would also add some vibrancy to the plate.
If planning a formal dinner party or celebration, serve this dish over a bed of fregola sarda (a Sardinian pasta) cooked al dente with some mushroom sauce on top. The pasta’s coarse texture and earthy flavor will complement the savory notes in the beef while providing an additional element to the dish.
Cooking for someone who doesn’t eat red meat? This dish adapts well to lighter meats like chicken or turkey. You can substitute the beef for tenderloin steak, or use ground chicken instead. For vegetarians, you can replace the meat with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or eggplants.
Whether it’s served alongside wine, pasta, or vegetables, this Beef with Red Wine and Pine Nuts recipe is sure to please any palate.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This recipe for beef with red wine and pine nuts is a great option for meal prepping or making ahead of time. Once the dish has simmered to the perfect tenderness, it can be easily stored in the fridge or freezer for later consumption.
To make-ahead, simply allow the beef to cool down slightly and transfer it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. The key is to ensure that the container is tightly sealed and that you allow ample space in the container to account for any expansion.
When reheating, gently warm up the beef on the stovetop over low heat until it reaches your desired temperature. Add a splash of water or additional red wine if necessary to prevent it from drying out.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave by placing them in a microwave-safe dish and heating on high for 1-2 minutes. Be sure to stir halfway through for even heat distribution.
One thing to note is that pine nuts can become rancid over time when exposed to air, causing them to develop a bitter taste. To prevent this, it’s best to store them separately in an airtight container and sprinkle them on top of the beef just before serving.
By making this recipe ahead of time, you’ll have a delicious and convenient meal ready whenever you need it!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Beef with Red Wine and Pine Nuts recipe is a success, here are some tips for perfect results:
1. Use the right cut of beef: For this recipe, you’ll want to use a cut of beef that is suitable for slow cooking. Stewing beef, beef chuck roast, or beef tenderloin are great options.
2. Toast the pine nuts: Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the dish will bring out their nutty flavor and add a crunchy texture. Simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re lightly browned.
3. Season the beef cubes generously: Be sure to season the beef cubes with salt and pepper before searing them in the pan. This will add flavor and help create a nice crust on the meat.
4. Brown the meat in batches: Don’t crowd the pan when browning the beef cubes – this will cause them to steam instead of sear. Brown them in batches, removing each batch from the pan before adding more.
5. Deglaze the pan with red wine: After browning the meat, deglaze the pan with red wine to scrape up all those flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Simmer slowly: Once you’ve added all the ingredients to the pot, be sure to simmer it slowly over low heat for a long period of time – at least 2 hours. This will allow all those flavors to meld together and create a rich, savory sauce.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious Beef with Red Wine and Pine Nuts dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this beef with red wine and pine nuts recipe is the perfect dish for impressing guests or simply satisfying your family’s taste buds. Its tender and savory beef coated in a rich red wine sauce creates a mouth-watering sensation with every bite. The combination of sweet prunes, sultanas, and earthy pine nuts give it a balance of flavor and texture that is sure to leave you wanting more.
With its versatility, you can easily switch up the recipe with substitutions and variations to cater to your preferences or dietary needs. Whether it’s adding mushrooms or slow cooking it in a crockpot, this recipe allows you to experiment and find the perfect combination of flavors for your palate.
Aside from its wonderful taste, this beef recipe is also packed with nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamin B6 and B12. With ingredients like carrots, shallots, garlic, and parsley also included in the recipe, you can be sure that you are getting a complete and balanced meal for your body.
In sum, this beef with red wine and pine nuts recipe is not only delicious but also has numerous health benefits. It’s a dish that everyone should try at least once with their friends or family. So go ahead and give it a go, you won’t regret it!
Beef With Red Wine and Pine Nuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 36 ounces stewing beef, cut into large cubes and seasoned with salt and ground black pepper
- 1 1/4 cups prunes, pitted
- 1 dozen shallot, peeled
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced thickly
- 2 1/4 cups red wine
- 3/8 cup pine nuts, toasted or 3/8 cup chopped fresh parsley
- salt and black pepper
- 1 glass red wine
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a lidded casserole over medium heat, and brown beef on all sides.
- Add the rest of the ingredients except for the pinenuts or parsley.
- Cover and cook over a low heat for 2 hours or until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally. Flavor deepens if served the day after cooking. When reheated, serve sprinkled with toasted pine nuts or parsley.
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