How to Make Traditional Italian Bollito (Boiled Beef)
Bollito, a beloved Italian classic, is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for family meals or special occasions. This dish, known for its tender boiled beef served with vegetables, is a true celebration of rustic flavors. With simple ingredients and a slow cooking process, Bollito offers a rich, flavorful experience that both meat lovers and vegetable enthusiasts will enjoy.
This recipe guides you through preparing a traditional Italian Bollito, featuring perfectly boiled beef, aromatic herbs, and a variety of vegetables. The key to success lies in the patience and techniqueβlow and slow cooking ensures the beef remains tender, juicy, and flavorful. The result is a satisfying meal, best served with boiled vegetables and a side of mustard for added zest.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef (preferably brisket or other suitable cut) | 1 kg |
| White onions | 120 g |
| Celery stalks | 2 |
| Carrots | 110 g |
| Fresh parsley | 1 bunch |
| Fresh thyme | 1 sprig |
| Bay leaves | 3 |
| Cloves (whole) | 3 |
| Black peppercorns | 4 |
| Coarse salt | 15 g |
| Water | 4 liters |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by prepping the onions. Take the white onions and stick the cloves into their flesh. This will give the broth a lovely aromatic depth.
- Next, create a bundle of herbs by tying together the thyme, parsley, and bay leaves using kitchen twine. This “herb bouquet” will infuse the broth with fragrant flavors as it cooks.
- Peel the carrots and cut them into large chunks. Clean and trim the celery stalks, chopping them into sizable pieces as well. These vegetables will help flavor the broth and soften as the beef simmers.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
- Pour the water into a large pot with high sides to prevent splattering. Add the carrots, celery, onions with cloves, and the herb bundle. Add the peppercorns and coarse salt to the mix. This combination will create the base for your Bollitoβs flavorful broth.
Step 3: Begin Boiling the Meat
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the beef to the pot. Itβs crucial that the water continues to boil gently; a violent boil can cause the beef to become tough and stringy.
Step 4: Skim the Broth
- As the beef begins to cook, youβll notice that foam (impurities) will rise to the surface. Using a slotted spoon (or skimmer), carefully remove this foam to ensure a clear broth. This step is important to ensure a clean, pure taste.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Beef
- Reduce the heat to a very low simmer, ensuring the broth continues to boil gently. Allow the beef to cook for approximately 3 hours. The low simmer ensures that the beef will tenderize without becoming overcooked or falling apart.
- To check if the beef is fully cooked, gently pierce it with a fork. The beef should be tender enough to pull apart easily when pierced but still hold its shape.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the beef has cooked to perfection, remove it from the pot and place it on a serving platter. You can slice the beef into thick slices or serve it whole, depending on your preference.
- Serve the beef alongside the boiled vegetables, ensuring everyone gets a hearty serving of both the beef and the flavorful broth-infused vegetables.
- For an extra touch, offer some mustard on the side to complement the rich, savory flavor of the beef.
Tips for the Best Bollito:
- Use a good cut of beef: Opt for cuts that become tender with long cooking, such as brisket, chuck, or round. These cuts benefit greatly from the slow-cooking process, becoming rich and flavorful.
- Don’t rush the simmering: The low and slow cooking method is essential for achieving tender beef. High heat can cause the meat to toughen, so patience is key!
- Serve with accompaniments: Bollito is often served with mustard or a variety of pickled vegetables to contrast the richness of the meat. Experiment with different sides to find your perfect pairing.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 50 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg |
Bollito is the perfect dish for family gatherings, providing not only an abundance of delicious, tender beef but also a flavorful broth that can be enjoyed as a soup or as a base for other dishes. The slow cooking process, combined with the fresh herbs and vegetables, infuses the beef with a rich depth of flavor thatβs hard to beat.
At Love With Recipes, we believe that traditional dishes like this one are a fantastic way to bring people together around the table. Whether youβre serving it for a cozy dinner at home or a festive family event, Bollito will surely become a favorite on your menu.
