Olive dish with beef

Olive dish with beef

Prepared with a rich tradition in our cuisine, recipes that include beef and aromatic ingredients like olives are a true feast of flavors. The olive dish with beef is not only hearty but also full of flavor, making it perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. This recipe is simple and does not require special effort, but the result will surely be spectacular.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 300 g beef (choose a tender cut, such as neck or shoulder, for a juicy result)
- 150 g salted olives (preferably pitted, to avoid unpleasantness when serving)
- 1 onion (buy a fresh onion, preferably white or yellow, for a sweet taste)
- 1 bell pepper (any color you prefer, but red pepper will add a touch of color)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (olive oil is an excellent choice for added flavor)
- 100 ml white wine (a dry white wine will contribute to a more complex taste)
- 150 ml tomato juice (you can even use fresh crushed tomatoes for an authentic flavor)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1-2 bay leaves (these will give a distinct aroma)
- A sprig of fresh thyme (or half a teaspoon of dried thyme)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meat:
Start by washing the beef well under cold running water. This will remove impurities and ensure a cleaner taste. Cut the meat into uniform cubes, about 2-3 cm, for even cooking.

2. Boiling the meat:
Place the meat in a large pot, cover it with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat and let the meat simmer for about 1 hour. After this time, it will be tender and delicious.

3. Draining the water:
After the meat has boiled, drain the water into a bowl, saving it for later. This will be the base of your sauce, bringing a rich taste to the dish.

4. Searing the meat:
In a skillet, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the drained meat cubes and sauté for a few minutes until they are lightly browned. This step will intensify the flavor of the meat.

5. Adding the onion:
Chop the onion finely and add it to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic.

6. Deglazing with wine:
Pour the wine into the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes until the alcohol evaporates. This will add depth of flavor to the dish.

7. Preparing the sauce:
Add the tomato juice and the water in which you boiled the meat, mixing well. Then, add the olives, the halved bell pepper, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Mix everything carefully.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Let it bake for 30 minutes.

9. Finishing the dish:
After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven, take off the foil, and add the thyme sprig. Put it back in the oven for another 10 minutes to concentrate the flavors.

Serving suggestions:
The olive dish with beef is served warm, alongside a side of mashed potatoes or rice. A fresh green salad will add a pleasant contrast and will perfectly complement the meal. Also, do not hesitate to pair this dish with a glass of white wine, which will highlight the rich flavors of the food.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add a touch of heat, you can include a finely chopped chili pepper.
- For a healthier option, you can use lean beef and reduce the amount of oil.
- The dish can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to intensify.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter.
2. What type of olives are most suitable? Both green and black olives are delicious, but make sure they are salty to add an intense flavor.
3. Can I add additional vegetables? Absolutely! Carrots or zucchini are excellent options to diversify the dish.

Nutritional benefits:
Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins, essential for the health of the body. Olives are rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, contributing to heart health.

This olive dish with beef recipe is not just a simple dish, but a culinary experience that will transport you to the world of flavors. Give it a try and let yourself be carried away by its authentic tastes!