Genovese: A Classic Italian Dish of Slow-Cooked Beef and Onions
Category: Main Course
Serves: 4
Cuisine: Italian
The rich and deeply flavorful Genovese is a timeless Italian dish, originating from Naples, that beautifully combines tender pieces of beef with the natural sweetness of caramelized onions. This dish, while requiring patience, rewards you with a deliciously rich sauce that envelops both the meat and pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Ideal for a special Sunday dinner or a family gathering, this classic recipe is bound to impress with its depth of flavor and hearty appeal.
Ingredients for Genovese
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ziti (or other pasta) | 320g |
| Beef (preferably chuck or brisket) | 600g |
| Yellow onions (finely chopped) | 1kg |
| Celery (finely chopped) | 60g |
| Carrots (finely chopped) | 60g |
| Fresh parsley | 1 bunch |
| Bay leaf | 1 leaf |
| White wine | 100g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | As needed |
| Salt | As needed |
| Black pepper | As needed |
| Grated Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | As needed |
Instructions for Preparing Genovese
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables and Meat
To start, carefully peel and slice the onions into thin, even slices. Place them into a large bowl and set them aside. Next, peel the carrot and chop it finely. Proceed by cleaning and chopping the celery, making sure to save the top, leafy portion. Set both the chopped celery and carrot aside for later. Now, turn your attention to the beef; trim away any excess fat and cut the meat into large chunks (about 5–6 pieces). Finally, take the celery leaves, fresh parsley, and a bay leaf, and tie them together with kitchen twine to create a fragrant herb bundle—this will infuse your sauce with wonderful aromas as it simmers.
Step 2: Browning the Meat and Vegetables
Heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil in a large, deep pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots to the pot. Stir occasionally, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their flavors. Once they have started to soften, introduce the beef chunks to the pot. Season with a pinch of salt and drop in the herb bundle. Stir everything together, ensuring the meat is well-coated with the vegetables and seasoning. Allow the mixture to cook for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld before covering the pot with a lid.
Step 3: Slow Cooking the Genovese
Now comes the most important part of the recipe: patience. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the Genovese cook for at least 3 hours. There is no need to add any additional liquid, as the onions will release their natural juices and provide enough moisture for the meat and vegetables to cook slowly. During this time, stir occasionally, checking the consistency and making sure that the mixture does not dry out.
Step 4: Adding the Wine and Further Cooking
After 3 hours, the onions should have turned a deep golden brown, and the meat should be tender. It is now time to remove the herb bundle and add the white wine. Raise the heat slightly, pour in half of the wine, and stir the pot gently. Allow the wine to cook down, simmering for an additional hour. During this time, keep an eye on the pot, stirring regularly, and adding more wine as necessary to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Step 5: Shredding the Meat
Once the meat has become fork-tender, take a piece of beef out of the pot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the beef into small pieces. Return the shredded beef to the pot, stirring it back into the sauce. This process helps to thicken the sauce and infuses the meat with the rich flavors of the onions and wine.
Step 6: Cooking the Pasta
While the Genovese is simmering away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti (or another pasta of your choice) until it is al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve a bit of the pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot, and then add a few spoonfuls of the Genovese sauce along with some of the reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
Step 7: Assembling and Serving
To serve, plate the pasta and generously spoon the Genovese sauce and meat over the top. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a dusting of grated Parmigiano Reggiano DOP. For extra flavor, drizzle a little more olive oil over the top. Serve immediately, and enjoy the comforting, slow-cooked flavors of this Italian masterpiece.
Tips for Perfecting Your Genovese
- Choice of Meat: For the best results, use a cut of beef that benefits from slow cooking, such as chuck or brisket. These cuts become incredibly tender when cooked slowly and impart a deep, rich flavor to the dish.
- Caramelizing the Onions: The key to Genovese’s distinctive sweetness lies in the caramelization of the onions. Be patient and allow them to cook slowly over low heat, which will bring out their natural sugars.
- Herb Bundle: The combination of celery, parsley, and bay leaves creates a fragrant “mazzetto odoroso” that gives the dish its characteristic depth. Don’t skip this step!
- Wine: White wine adds acidity and complexity to the dish, balancing out the sweetness of the onions. Choose a dry white wine for the best results.
- Leftovers: Like many slow-cooked dishes, Genovese often tastes even better the next day. Make extra and enjoy it as leftovers for an even more flavorful meal.
This Genovese recipe, with its long-simmering flavors and rich sauce, is a true Italian comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal, this dish will undoubtedly leave you craving more. Pair it with a glass of Italian red wine and some crusty bread to soak up the sauce for the perfect meal experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 750 kcal |
| Protein | 45g |
| Carbohydrates | 75g |
| Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Vitamin A | 1200 IU |
| Vitamin C | 10mg |
| Calcium | 80mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
This dish is perfect for those who love bold, savory flavors and the comforting satisfaction that comes from a well-cooked meal. The combination of tender beef, sweet onions, and rich pasta creates an unforgettable dish that captures the heart of Italian cooking.
