Introduction

This traditional Greek recipe for braised beef with herbs and red wine is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for special occasions. The combination of tender beef, rich red wine, and aromatic herbs creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients

  • 1½ kg beef brisket
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped or grated
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 2 cups mushrooms, cleaned and chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • 2½ cups dry red wine
  • 2 cups beef broth or water
  • 2 tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Herb Mixture: Combine all the herb ingredients in a bowl. We’ll use half of this mixture inside the beef and the other half towards the end of the recipe.
  2. Prepare the Beef: With a sharp, long knife, make 10 deep incisions in the beef and fill them with some of the herb mixture, pressing it in with your fingers.
  3. Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium to high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until it forms a crust, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pot, season with salt, and cover to keep warm.
  4. Soften the Vegetables: Remove most of the fat from the pot, leaving about 2 tbsp. Sauté the onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms, and bay leaf until they are slightly glazed, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining herb mixture and tomato paste. Pour in ½ cup of wine and let it almost completely evaporate, concentrating the flavors.
  5. Braise the Beef: Add 1 cup of wine and 1 cup of broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Return the beef to the pot, add the remaining wine and broth, and the squeezed tomatoes. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 2 hours, turning the beef every 30 minutes to prevent drying.
  6. Serve: Slice the beef and serve with the sauce from the pot. If the sauce seems too thin, boil it for a few minutes to thicken.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.
  • Accompany with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Offer with a fresh salad and a crusty bread for a lighter option.

Side Dish Ideas

  • Roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic.
  • Grilled or sautéed spinach with garlic and lemon.
  • Sautéed green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Nutritional Values (Approximate)

Per serving:

  • Calories: 550
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 10g