Braised Beef with Olives

The braised beef with olives is a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for colder days or a special family dinner. Here are the ingredients and the preparation.

Ingredients

• 1 kg of beef for stewing (such as shoulder or topside)
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, sliced
• 1 glass of robust red wine (such as Chianti or Barbera)
• 500 ml of tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
• A sprig of rosemary
• A few bay leaves
• 200 g of pitted black olives (preferably Italian variety like Taggiasca)
• 500 ml of beef or vegetable broth

Preparation

1. Generously salt and pepper the beef on all sides.
2. In a large and heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until it forms a golden brown and crispy crust. This step is important for sealing in the juices and for adding flavor to the dish.
3. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for a few minutes until they become soft.
4. Add the garlic and let it brown for a couple of minutes, making sure not to burn it.
5. Deglaze with the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to recover all the caramelized flavors.
6. Reduce the wine by half, then add the tomato puree, rosemary, and bay leaves.
7. Put the beef back in the pot, add the broth until it covers about two-thirds of the beef.
8. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to the minimum and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for about 3-4 hours, turning the meat occasionally and adding broth if necessary.
9. One hour before the end of cooking, add the olives to the sauce and continue cooking.
10. When the meat is tender and flakes easily with a fork, remove it from the heat and if you desire a thicker sauce, let it reduce over high heat for a few minutes.
11. Slice the meat and serve it with its sauce and olives.

Curiosity

Braised beef with olives is a traditional Italian dish that can vary in different regions. The slow cooking at low heat is crucial for a soft and succulent meat. It’s perfect paired with creamy polenta or a side of roasted potatoes. If you wish, you can also use green olives for a slightly different flavor. Enjoy your meal!