Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Cut the Meat: Start by cutting the beef (or your choice of meat) into bite-sized chunks, about 2 inches each. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they brown properly.
- Season the Meat: Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the Meat: Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meat on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the browned meat from the pot and set it aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add the Flour: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. This step helps thicken the sauce later on.
- Add the Orange Zest and Juice: Stir in 1 teaspoon of orange peel (zested) and 100 ml of unsweetened orange juice, deglazing the pan by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds a citrusy flavor that complements the beef and helps to build the sauce.
- Pour in the Wine and Soy Sauce: Add 50 ml of dry red wine and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce to the pot. Stir well to mix all the flavors together. The red wine brings richness to the sauce, while the soy sauce adds umami depth.
- Add the Bay Leaf and Rosemary: Add 1 bay leaf and 1 teaspoon of rosemary (fresh or dried) to the pot for extra aromatic flavor.
- Add the Beef Back: Return the browned beef to the pot, stirring to combine it with the vegetables and liquid.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook slowly for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily when tested with a fork. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
- Check for Doneness: Once the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the braised beef hot with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
