Italian Meat Recipes - Braised Beef with Chianti (Brasoto al Chianti) Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 kg/2 1/4 lb piece of roasting beef

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 1 celery stick, chopped

• 1 bay leaf

• 15 ml/1 tbsp juniper berries, lightly crushed

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 15 ml/1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano

• 1/2 bottle Chianti

• 250 ml/1 cup beef stock

• 5 ml/1 tsp olive oil

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Method:

1. Trim any fat from the meat. Put all the remaining ingredients, except the oil, in a large bowl and stir well.

2. Add the piece of beef and allow to marinate, preferably overnight. Drain the meat, reserving the marinade.

3. Heat the oil in a flameproof casserole dish (Dutch oven) and sear the meat thoroughly on all sides.

4. When the meat is well browned, pour over the vegetables and marinade.

5. Cover with a lid and cook in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4 for 2 1/2 hours. Remove the meat and keep warm.

6. Puree the sauce in a blender or food processor then return to the pan with the meat.

7. Cover and cook for a further 30 minutes. Slice the meat before serving.