Here's a recipe for Beef with Prunes, a dish that combines the rich flavor of beef with the sweetness of prunes, often found in French or Moroccan cuisine:
Ingredients:
- 500g (1 lb) beef chuck or braising steak, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup pitted prunes, chopped
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, depending on sweetness of prunes)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the Beef:
- Add the beef chunks in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add Tomato Paste and Spices:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
5. Deglaze and Simmer:
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Return the browned beef chunks to the pot, along with the chopped prunes.
6. Cook:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir occasionally and check the seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.
7. Finish:
- Stir in the balsamic or red wine vinegar, and add honey or brown sugar if desired for extra sweetness. Adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes.
Enjoy your Beef with Prunes, a deliciously sweet and savory dish!
