Life with olive sauce

Beef Chuck with Aromatic Olive Sauce – A Culinary Indulgence

Total time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

When it comes to comfort food and flavors that embrace your soul, beef chuck with olive sauce is definitely a favorite. This recipe is not just a simple meal but a true feast that brings together the rich flavors of meat, vegetables, and spices. It is a dish that has been enjoyed for generations, bringing joy to family gatherings, and today I invite you to discover it too!

Ingredients

- 2 pieces of boneless beef chuck (or 1 piece of sirloin, as I preferred)
- 1 good slice of celery root
- 1 carrot
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 onion
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 250 ml of beef broth (or water, if you don't have broth)
- 50 ml of dry white wine
- 10-12 black olives (preferably Kalamata)
- A pinch of dried thyme

Step by Step

1. Preparing the meat
Start by washing the meat well under a stream of cold water. Make sure to let it drain well, then season with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is essential to add flavor to the meat.

2. Searing the meat
In a large skillet, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the meat and sear it on both sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes on each side. This will create a delicious crust that keeps the juices in.

3. Preparing the vegetables
While the meat is searing, peel and chop the vegetables: cut the carrot and celery into small cubes, and slice the onion and garlic thinly. These vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to the dish.

4. Simmering
Add the chopped vegetables to the skillet over the meat, then pour in the beef broth (or water). Make sure all the ingredients are covered. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about an hour. Check periodically to ensure the liquid doesn’t reduce too much; add a bit more broth or water if necessary.

5. Preparing the sauce
Once the meat is cooked and tender, remove it from the skillet and place it in an oven-safe dish. Using a sieve, puree the cooked vegetables to obtain a smooth sauce. Pour this sauce over the meat.

6. Enriching the sauce
Adjust the sauce with salt, add the olives, bay leaf, thyme, and a tablespoon of flour mixed well with 50 ml of water. Add the dry white wine and mix well. Now, place everything in the oven (preheated to 180°C) and let it bake for about 30-40 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serving

This beef chuck with olive sauce pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or flavorful rice. Add a bit of fresh parsley on top for a splash of color and flavor. Don’t forget to serve a crisp green salad alongside to balance the rich dish.

Practical Tips

- Tenderizing the meat: Choose high-quality meat with an appropriate fat content. This will contribute to a juicy and flavorful dish.
- Vegetable variation: You can also experiment with other vegetables, such as bell peppers or potatoes, to add texture and taste.
- The wine: Use a good quality white wine that you would like to drink, as its flavor will intensify in the sauce.
- Storage: This dish is perfect for storing in the fridge and consuming the next day when the flavors have melded even better.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use pork or chicken instead?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using pork or chicken, but the cooking time will change. Chicken cooks faster, while pork requires a similar time to beef.

- How can I make the sauce spicier?
You can add a pinch of chili powder or a few slices of fresh chili in the sauce to give it a spicy kick.

- What drinks pair well?
A dry white wine, similar to the one used in the recipe, or a light blonde beer would go wonderfully with this dish.

Conclusion

Beef chuck with olive sauce is a recipe that combines tradition and culinary comfort, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With each bite, you will discover an explosion of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Don’t let the craving wait! Prepare this recipe and enjoy a special dish that you will surely want to repeat. Bon appétit!