Picchiapò (Italian Braised Beef)
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef (cooked) | 800g |
| Red onions | 1 |
| Canned peeled tomatoes | 600g |
| Bay leaves | 3 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | As needed |
| Beef broth | As needed |
| Fine salt | As needed |
| Black pepper | As needed |
Instructions:
To prepare this hearty Picchiapò, the base is made with 800g of cooked beef—you can use leftover beef from previous meals or freshly boiled beef, along with the broth used for boiling. If you are starting with raw beef, take about 1.3kg of beef and boil it to make the broth. Keep this beef broth warm to use later in the recipe.
Start by preparing the onion: peel and cut it in half, then slice it thinly. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, and add the sliced onion. Let it sauté and soften for a few minutes, releasing its sweetness. Add a ladleful of the hot beef broth to the skillet to help the onions cook down.
Meanwhile, crush the canned peeled tomatoes in a bowl using a fork until they are broken up into small pieces.
Once the onions have softened and turned translucent, add the crushed tomatoes into the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring everything together. Allow the mixture to cook for about 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
After 25 minutes, add the cooked beef to the skillet, mixing well with the tomato and onion sauce. Add the bay leaves at this point for extra aroma and flavor.
Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove the lid and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken, concentrating the flavors.
Once the broth has reduced and the sauce has thickened, remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning if needed. The beef should be tender, and the sauce rich and flavorful.
Serve the Picchiapò hot, ideally with some crusty bread or a side of vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion, bringing a taste of traditional Italian cuisine to your table.
Enjoy your hearty Italian meal, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who will appreciate the authentic flavors of this classic dish!
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
Calories: 350-400 per serving (depending on the exact cuts of beef and the amount of olive oil used)
Protein: 40g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 20g
Sodium: 600-700mg
