Yummy Scrummy Braised Beef With Red Wine and Cranberry
This delightful recipe for Yummy Scrummy Braised Beef With Red Wine and Cranberry is one that I absolutely adore, not only for its simplicity, requiring just six ingredients, but also for the richness of flavors it delivers. Originating from the BBC Good Food magazine’s December 2003 issue, this dish has graced my dinner table numerous times, and each occasion has my husband licking his plate in sheer delight. While I tend to add a little extra stock and wine to create more gravy, I’ve outlined the original proportions as found in the magazine. This dish truly encapsulates the essence of home-cooked comfort food.
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Name | Yummy Scrummy Braised Beef With Red Wine and Cranberry |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 2 hours |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Category | Meat |
| Servings | 4 |
| Description | A delightful, simple dish with rich flavors that everyone will love. |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Onions | 2 medium |
| Red wine | 3 cups |
| Cranberry sauce | 3 cups |
| Beef (stewing cuts) | 300 g |
| Beef stock | 300 ml |
| Oil | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 852.6 |
| Total Fat | 58 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 170 mg |
| Sodium | 143 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g |
| Sugars | 10.6 g |
| Protein | 46.7 g |
Instructions
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Begin by cutting the beef steak into bite-sized pieces, which will not only help the meat cook more evenly but will also make it easier to serve. Place the cut beef into a large food storage bag, then add the flour along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
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Seal the bag tightly, ensuring that no air escapes, and give it a vigorous shake to ensure that all the beef pieces are well coated with the flour mixture. This will help in creating a lovely crust when the beef is browned.
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In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated beef pieces to the pan. Fry them until they are evenly browned on all sides; this step is crucial for developing depth of flavor.
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Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a plate. If you have a smaller quantity of beef and want to avoid overcrowding the pan, feel free to do this in two batches.
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In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly and add an additional tablespoon of oil. Next, toss in the sliced onions, frying them for about five minutes or until they become slightly brown and fragrant. The caramelization of the onions will add a wonderful sweetness to the dish.
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After the onions have cooked, return the browned beef to the pan, and pour in the red wine and beef stock. Stir well to combine, ensuring that you scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, which will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
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Season the mixture generously with salt and only add a pinch of pepper at this stage, especially if your beef stock is already salty. Bring the pot to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and allow the beef to cook slowly for approximately one and a half hours, or until the meat is tender and infused with the aromatic flavors.
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After the cooking time is complete, stir in the cranberry sauce, allowing it to meld with the beef and create a luscious gravy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.
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Let the dish simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to marry together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, dish out generous portions of the braised beef alongside a heaping scoop of creamy mashed potatoes, which perfectly complement the rich, savory sauce.
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Enjoy the satisfaction of a dish that not only fills the belly but also warms the heart, creating wonderful memories around the dinner table.
This recipe for Yummy Scrummy Braised Beef With Red Wine and Cranberry is not just about sustenance; it’s about bringing loved ones together and celebrating the joys of home cooking. Whether you are preparing it for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, the flavors and simplicity will surely win over everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
