oven-baked beef with natural potatoes

Oven-baked beef shank with natural potatoes – a simple and delicious recipe for special moments

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Who doesn’t love a tasty meal that fills the house with enticing aromas? Oven-baked beef shank with natural potatoes is a classic dish, perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or simply to treat yourself after a long day. This recipe combines tender meat with the fresh taste of potatoes, resulting in an absolutely irresistible dish. Let’s see together how we can achieve a perfect result!

A brief history of the recipe

Oven-baked beef shank is a traditional dish found in many culinary cultures. It symbolizes comfort and conviviality, often associated with family meals or special occasions. Cooking the meat in the oven allows the flavors to develop and penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in a hearty and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

For the beef shank:
- 1 kg beef shank
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- Basil (fresh or dried)
- 150 ml wine (white or red, depending on preference)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil

For the garnish:
- 1.5 kg potatoes
- Salt, to taste
- 50 g butter
- Greens (parsley or dill, for serving)

Preparing the beef shank

1. Prepare the meat: Choose a quality beef shank with a moderate fat content for tender meat. Cut the shank into thick slices of about 3-4 cm. This will help the flavors penetrate and ensure even cooking.

2. Marinating: In a small bowl, mix the crushed garlic, salt, pepper, basil, and wine. Pour this mixture over the meat slices and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for a few hours will further intensify the flavors.

3. Preparing the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Choose a baking dish large enough to accommodate all the meat slices. Place the beef shank slices in the dish, along with the bay leaves and olive oil.

4. Adding water: Pour water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the meat. This will help keep the meat juicy and create a delicious sauce.

5. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 2 hours. During this time, the meat will become extremely tender.

6. Browning: After 2 hours, remove the foil and let the meat brown for another 30 minutes. Occasionally, baste the meat with the juices from the dish to maintain its moisture and enhance its flavor.

Preparing the natural potato garnish

1. Cleaning the potatoes: Wash the potatoes well and peel them. If you prefer, you can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.

2. Boiling: Cut the potatoes into cubes of about 2 cm and place them in a pot of salted water. Boil for 15-20 minutes until tender but not too soft.

3. Draining: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. This step is important to mix them with the butter and greens without breaking them apart.

4. Serving: In a bowl, mix the potatoes with melted butter and chopped fresh greens. Serve alongside the beef shank and don’t forget to drizzle a bit of sauce from the meat dish over the potatoes for added flavor.

Practical tips

- Wine: Choose a wine that you would drink, as its taste will influence the flavors of the dish.
- Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add more, and if you prefer a subtler taste, you can opt for previously roasted garlic.
- Variations: You can also add sliced carrots or onions to the dish for an even more complex preparation.
- Sauce: After the meat is ready, you can turn the juices from the dish into a delicious sauce by boiling it for a few minutes and adding cream or flour if you want a thicker consistency.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat? Yes, the recipe can also be adapted for pork or chicken, but the cooking time may vary.
2. What other side dishes can I use? Besides natural potatoes, you can opt for mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
3. How can I store the meat? If there is leftover meat, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze it for later.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of oven-baked beef shank with natural potatoes contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil and butter used. This meal is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a satisfying dinner.

This recipe for oven-baked beef shank with natural potatoes is not just a culinary feast but also a wonderful way to connect with loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a delicious meal, it’s impossible not to fall in love with its aroma and taste. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s cook together!