The language with olives
Beef tongue with olives - a savory recipe full of history
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Beef tongue is an ingredient that has been appreciated over time in many culinary cultures. While it may seem like an unusual choice to some, its delicate flavor and fine texture make this dish a delicacy worth trying. Combined with olives, sautéed onions, and a rich tomato sauce, this recipe will transform your lunch or dinner into a memorable culinary experience. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 3 pieces of beef tongue (approximately 600g)
- 300g brined olives (preferably pitted)
- 1 large onion (approximately 150g)
- 400g tomato sauce (or 2 fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped)
- 200ml red wine (choose a quality wine that enhances the flavor)
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening the sauce)
- 100ml water
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the beef tongue: Start by blanching the beef tongues in boiling water for 15-20 minutes. This process will help soften and clean them. After blanching, remove them from the water and let them cool slightly. Then, peel off the skin. This step can be challenging, but don't worry; with a little patience, you'll achieve excellent results. Cut the tongue into slices about 1 cm thick.
2. Sautéing the onion: In a deep pot, add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the grated onion and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This will form the aromatic base of the sauce.
3. Adding the meat: Once the onion is ready, add the beef tongue slices to the pot. Sear them for 5-10 minutes until they are lightly browned. This step will intensify the meat's flavor.
4. Making the sauce: Add the tomato sauce over the meat, stirring well. Then, add the spices: marjoram, basil, oregano, and bay leaves, along with freshly ground pepper. Also, add 100ml of water to dilute the sauce and allow the flavors to blend.
5. Cooking the meat: Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the tongue becomes tender. Check occasionally to ensure that too much liquid doesn't evaporate; if necessary, add a little water.
6. Adding the wine: Once the meat is cooked, pour the red wine into the pot. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to concentrate.
7. Thickening the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the flour with cold water to form a paste. Gradually add this paste to the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
8. Finishing the dish: Before transferring everything to the oven, add the lemon slices, which will add a note of freshness to the dish. Cover the pot with a lid and bake it in the oven for 20-25 minutes at 180°C to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with fresh olives and lemon slices for an attractive presentation.
Serving suggestions: Beef tongue with olives pairs perfectly with a side of mashed potatoes or carrot puree, as well as a fresh green salad. Additionally, fresh bread will be perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Useful tips:
- If you don't have brined olives, you can use green or black olives, but make sure to rinse them well to remove excess salt.
- For an even richer sauce, you can add a few whole cherry tomatoes to the sauce; they will break down during cooking and add a pleasant sweetness.
Nutritional information: A serving of beef tongue with olives contains approximately 450 calories and is a rich source of protein and minerals, such as iron and zinc. Olives provide benefits through their healthy fats and antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use pork tongue instead of beef? Yes, pork tongue has a similar texture, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- How long can I keep the dish? It can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 3-4 days.
- Is this dish suitable for special occasions? Absolutely! Beef tongue with olives is an elegant and sophisticated dish, perfect for a dinner with friends or for celebrations.
In conclusion, this recipe for beef tongue with olives is not only delicious but also an excellent way to explore new flavors and textures. So, don't hesitate to try it and share it with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 3 pieces of beef tongue, 300g olives, one onion, tomato sauce, 200ml red wine, one lemon, marjoram, basil, oregano, bay leaves, pepper, flour
