Beef > Braised > Italian

Pistoia-Style Braised Beef Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with lid

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.

2. Season beef with salt and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

4. Sear beef on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove beef from pot and set aside.

5. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

6. Add red wine, beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.

7. Return beef to the pot and bring to a simmer.

8. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2-3 hours, or until beef is tender and falls apart easily.

9. Remove pot from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

10. Remove beef from pot and shred with two forks.

11. Return shredded beef to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce.

12. Serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 325°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 400
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 40g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Beef chuck roast can be substituted with beef brisket or short ribs.
- Red wine can be substituted with beef broth or vegetable broth.
- Diced tomatoes can be substituted with crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.

Variations:
- Add chopped potatoes or sweet potatoes to the pot for a heartier meal.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the pot for extra flavor.
- Use different herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, instead of thyme.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to sear the beef on all sides before braising to develop a rich flavor.
- Let the beef cool for 10 minutes before shredding to make it easier to handle.
- Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve in a deep bowl or on a platter with the sauce spooned over the top.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped scallions.

Pairings:
Pair with a bold red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with roasted vegetables or a green salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the beef is not tender after 2-3 hours of cooking, continue to cook until it is falling apart easily.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the beef to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Pistoia is a city in Tuscany, Italy known for its beef dishes.

Flavor profiles:
This dish has a rich, savory flavor with hints of tomato and herbs.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish for a hearty meal.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Herby, Rich, Hearty, Tangy, Aromatic