Braised Milanese

Braised Milanese Style - A Flavorful and Comforting Roast

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 90 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Who wouldn't enjoy a juicy, flavorful roast that perfectly combines fresh ingredients and spices? Braised beef is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations, with each adding a bit of their personal style. This Braised Milanese recipe, inspired by Jacob Hausmann, is an excellent choice for a family dinner or to impress guests.

In this recipe, I replaced celery with an American sweet potato, bringing a touch of sweetness and a delicious texture. Let’s see together how we can prepare this savory roast!

Ingredients

- 500 g boneless beef
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 25 g butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 kohlrabi
- 1 sweet potato
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves
- 250 ml red wine
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 300 ml beef broth
- Nutmeg (optional, for flavor)

Necessary Utensils

- Large frying pan
- Casserole dish or baking tray
- Fine sieve for sauce
- Wooden spatula
- Knife and cutting board

Step by Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing all the ingredients. Cut the beef into large pieces that will be easy to handle during cooking. Peel and dice the carrots, kohlrabi, sweet potato, and onion. Don’t forget to finely chop the garlic, as it will add an intense flavor to the dish.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

In a large frying pan, add the olive oil and butter, and let them heat over medium heat. When the oil and butter are hot, add the pieces of beef. Sear them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until they are beautifully browned. This is the essential step to seal in the meat's juices.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Once the meat is browned, add the diced carrots, kohlrabi, sweet potato, and onion. Cook them together with the meat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Flavor with Garlic and Spices

Add the finely chopped garlic and the two cloves to the pan. The cloves add a warm and spicy note. Mix well, allowing the flavors to combine for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Deglaze with Wine

Deglaze the dish with red wine, letting it simmer for a few minutes. This deglazing process allows the wine to absorb the flavors from the bottom of the pan and adds a remarkable depth to the sauce. Let it simmer until the wine reduces by about a third.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Broth

After the wine has partially evaporated, add the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Mix well, then transfer everything to a casserole dish or baking tray. Ensure everything is well covered with liquid. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.

Step 7: Bake in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 200 °C (390 °F) and place the dish inside. Let it bake for 90 minutes until the meat becomes extremely tender and easily falls apart.

Step 8: Finalize the Dish

Once the baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven. Take the meat out of the sauce and set it aside, covered, to keep warm. Use a fine sieve to strain the sauce, removing the vegetable pieces and spices. Put the sauce back on the heat and bring it to a boil again. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you desire a more aromatic taste.

Step 9: Serving

Slice the meat and serve it alongside the cooked vegetables and the flavorful sauce. This roast pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or fluffy polenta, but you can also opt for a fresh salad for a lighter meal.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the Meat: Select a beef cut with good marbling, as the fat will help keep the meat juicy during cooking.
- Wine: Use a good quality red wine that you would be willing to drink. The taste of the wine will influence the final sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: You can adapt this recipe using mushrooms or tofu instead of meat, keeping the same spices and cooking techniques.
- Storing the Roast: Braised beef keeps excellently in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed the next day when the flavors have melded even better.

Nutritional Information

A serving of Braised Milanese contains approximately 450 calories. It is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the vegetables and meat. Beef is rich in iron, essential for blood health, while the vegetables provide fiber and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can use pork or lamb, but the cooking time may vary.
- How can I tell when the meat is done? Look for a tender texture that easily falls apart with a fork.
- Can I use other vegetables? Sure, you can experiment with seasonal vegetables such as carrots, celery, or zucchini.

Variations and Combinations

This roast pairs wonderfully with a dry red wine, but you can also try a fruitier white wine to add an interesting contrast. Additionally, a quick dessert like chocolate mousse would perfectly conclude a delicious meal.

Try this Braised Milanese recipe and let yourself be carried away by its flavors! Each bite will bring a note of comfort and joy, turning any meal into a celebration. Enjoy!