Beef Bourguignon with Pisto rice

Beef Bourguignon with Pisto Rice - A culinary journey into the heart of refined gastronomy

Beef Bourguignon is more than just a dish; it is a culinary story that carries the tradition and passion of French cuisine. This sophisticated recipe, enriched with flavors of thyme, nutmeg, and bay leaf, has become a symbol of culinary refinement, popularized, among others, by the famous chef Julia Child. So, get ready to embark on the preparation of this classic dish that will surely impress your family and friends.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients for Beef Bourguignon:
- 800 g beef chuck
- 150 g smoked bacon (preferably homemade)
- 1 large red onion
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 200 ml red wine (choose a quality wine that is good to drink)
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 nutmeg (grated)
- 1 teaspoon homemade seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Pisto Rice:
- 1 cup (200 g) rice
- 1 red onion
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1/2 green bell pepper
- 50 ml Hot Chili sauce (optional, for an extra kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon homemade seasoning
- A few chopped green parsley leaves

Preparation of Beef Bourguignon:
1. Start by cutting the bacon into cubes of about 1 cm. Heat a skillet over low heat and add the bacon, letting it fry until it becomes crispy. This step will add flavor to the dish. Helpful tip: Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution.

2. Meanwhile, peel the onion and slice it into rings. Once the bacon is browned, add the onion to it and sauté everything together until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Remove the mixture to a plate and set aside.

3. Cut the beef into 2-3 cm cubes. Add the meat cubes to the skillet with the remaining fat and brown them on all sides. It is important for each piece to get a nice crust to intensify the flavors.

4. Once the meat is browned, add the flour and mix well, ensuring that all the meat cubes are evenly coated. This is an essential step to achieve a rich and cohesive sauce.

5. Pour in the red wine and enough water to completely cover the meat. Season with salt, pepper, grated nutmeg, bay leaf, and thyme sprig. Allow everything to reach a boiling point.

6. After it starts to boil, add the bacon and sautéed onion back into the skillet. Cover with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 1.5 hours. The sauce should become thick, so wait patiently. In the meantime, you can enjoy a glass of red wine!

Preparation of Pisto Rice:
1. Start by washing the rice in several waters using a strainer until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from sticking.

2. Place the rice in a pot, add 2.5 cups of water, and a teaspoon of homemade seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, covering with a lid. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the rice absorbs all the water.

3. Meanwhile, heat two tablespoons of oil in a skillet and add the sliced onion. Sauté until it becomes soft, then add the diced bell pepper. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

4. Once the rice is almost done, add the onion and bell pepper mixture to the pot with the rice. If the rice still has liquid, don't worry – it will be absorbed over time. Add the Hot Chili sauce and chopped parsley, mixing well. Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, then cover and let it rest for another 5 minutes. These resting moments are essential for the flavors to combine.

Serving:
Let your imagination run wild and serve Beef Bourguignon alongside Pisto rice on a deep plate. Add a fresh green salad as a side for a crunchy contrast and a note of freshness. This combination not only looks spectacular but also offers an unforgettable taste experience.

Tips and variations:
- You can also add diagonally sliced carrots to the meat mixture for extra color and sweetness.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, use homemade beef broth instead of water.
- For a personal touch, you can add some champignon mushrooms to the meat sauce, which will blend perfectly with the flavors of red wine.

Nutritional benefits:
Beef Bourguignon is an excellent source of protein due to the beef, and the vegetables in Pisto rice provide essential vitamins and dietary fiber. The combination of rich flavors and nutritious ingredients makes this dish a delicious choice for a special meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I make Beef Bourguignon with pork?
- Although the traditional recipe uses beef, you can experiment with pork, but the flavors will be different.

2. Can I use white wine instead of red wine?
- White wine will completely change the flavor profile of the dish, but if you prefer, you can use a dry white wine.

3. How long can Beef Bourguignon be stored?
- This dish is even tastier the next day after the flavors have had time to develop, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

4. What type of salad pairs best with this dish?
- A simple green salad with cherry tomatoes and a lemon dressing will perfectly complement the richness of Beef Bourguignon.

Remember, Beef Bourguignon with Pisto Rice is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that will bring you joy and satisfaction. So take your time, enjoy the process, and savor every bite! Bon appétit!