Slow cooked beef

Slow-cooked beef shank, a delicacy that combines tradition with modern technique, will delight you with its rich flavors and incredibly tender texture. This recipe requires a little time and patience, but the result is truly spectacular. I invite you to discover this recipe step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Total time: 3 hours
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

- 2 kg beef shank
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 celery root
- 1 parsnip
- 2 red onions
- 1 leek
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 500 ml beef broth or bone stock
- 250 ml red wine
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 bouquet garni (made of: cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, allspice)
- Lemon zest and orange zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Recipe preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning and cutting the vegetables into suitable cubes: carrots, parsley root, celery, parsnip, onion, leek, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. It is important to cut them evenly for uniform cooking. Season the beef shank with salt and pepper, then set aside to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Caramelizing the vegetables
Heat a heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet and add the tablespoon of brown sugar. Allow the sugar to caramelize without stirring. Once the sugar turns golden, add all the chopped vegetables, quickly stirring to coat them with the caramelized sugar. This technique will add a sweet and deep flavor to the dish.

Step 3: Deglazing with wine
Deglaze the caramelized vegetables with red wine. Stir and let it simmer for a few minutes until the alcohol evaporates, leaving only the rich aroma of the wine.

Step 4: Preparing the sauce
Add the tomato paste and beef broth, ensuring the vegetables are covered by about ¾. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat.

Step 5: Browning the beef shank
In another well-heated skillet, add a little oil and brown the beef shank on all sides. This step is essential for creating a beautiful crust that will add flavor and depth to the dish.

Step 6: Creating the bouquet garni
Form a bouquet garni from the mentioned spices (cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, allspice) and tie it with a piece of cheesecloth. This trick will help you avoid searching for the spices in the final sauce.

Step 7: Baking
In a cast iron or ceramic dish, place the caramelized vegetables at the bottom, layer the browned beef shank on top, and add the bay leaves and bouquet garni. Fill with water or broth and cover the dish. Let the dish bake at 150°C for 2-3 hours, depending on the tenderness of the meat. It is important to check occasionally and turn the shank for even cooking.

Step 8: Serving
Once the cooking time has elapsed, remove the beef shank from the dish and let it rest for a few minutes. Meanwhile, strain the sauce through a sieve to remove the vegetables and spices. Finally, add sweet cream for a creamy texture and refined taste.

Chef's tip:
For an extra flavor boost, try adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the final sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar. These ingredients will add a touch of acidity that will balance the sweetness of the sauce.

Suggested sides:
This dish pairs perfectly with basmati rice, mashed potatoes, or sautéed vegetables. You can also add a fresh salad with greens and edible flowers to create a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional information:
This slow-cooked beef shank recipe has an estimated caloric intake of about 450-500 calories per serving, depending on the side dish. The beef shank is an excellent source of protein and iron, essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe to pork or lamb, but the cooking time will vary.

2. How can I store leftovers?
Cool the leftovers quickly and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days.

3. Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! This sophisticated dish is perfect for festive meals or family gatherings.

Now that you have discovered this delicious slow-cooked beef shank recipe, I invite you to put on your apron and experiment with the flavors. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this dish will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 2 kg beef pulp, carrots, parsley root, turnips, red onion, leek, red beets, green beets, brown sugar, tomato paste, beef soup or bone essence, red wine, vinegar, black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, fresh ginger, lemon peel, orange peel, salt