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Swiss Jugged Beef Stew

By
Andrew Chase
  • Peanut free
  • Low calorie
  • Low carb
  • Nut free
This classic Swiss German dish (rindpfeffer) is perfect for cold-weather entertaining or a family dinner. The weeklong marinating in red wine and spices results in a rich flavour reminiscent of game, and the same cooking method is excellent for venison, moose or hare. My mother made it often with beef and would usually accompany it with Spaetzli.

Ingredients

  • 2-1/2 lbs  (1.25 kg)  stewing beef cubes
  • 2 tbsp  (30 mL)  vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup  (60 mL)  butter
  • 2 tbsp  (30 mL)  granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp  (30 mL)  all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp  (10 mL)  salt
  • 3 cups  (750 mL)  button mushroom (or mushrooms, halved)
  • 1/3 cup  (75 mL)  chopped parsley
  • Marinade:
  • 5 carrots, cut into 2-inch (5 cm) chunks
  • 1 small  celeriac, cubed (or 3 stalks celery with leaves, chopped)
  • 10 juniper berries, crushed (or 2 tbsp/30 mL dry gin)
  • 6 fresh sage leaves (optional)
  • 4 stalks fresh thyme (or 1 tsp/5 mL dried)
  • 4 cloves
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp  (15 mL)  coriander seed, toasted
  • 1 tsp  (5 mL)  peppercorns
  • 3 cups  (750 mL)  dry red wine (1 bottle)

Preparation

Marinade: In glass or ceramic bowl, combine carrots, celeriac, juniper berries, sage (if using), thyme, cloves, garlic, bay leaves, onion, coriander seeds and peppercorns; add beef, mixing to coat well.

Add wine. Place small plate on top to keep meat submerged. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for 1 week.

Remove beef, shaking off spices; set aside. Remove carrots and celeriac (discard celery, if using); place in Dutch oven. Drain marinade through sieve into bowl, pressing solids; set marinade aside.

In skillet, heat oil over high heat; brown beef in small batches; transfer to Dutch oven.

Reduce heat to medium. Pour off fat from skillet; add 3 tbsp (45 mL) of the butter and sugar; cook, stirring, until nutty brown. Stir in flour; cook, stirring, until mixture is deep brown, 1 to 2 minutes.

Whisk in reserved marinade and salt; bring to boil, whisking constantly. Pour into Dutch oven; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer over low heat, stirring often, or transfer to 325F (160C) oven, until beef is tender, about 1-3/4 hours.

Meanwhile, in skillet, heat remaining butter over medium-high heat; cook mushrooms until browned, about 6 minutes. Add to stew; simmer until sauce is thickened (uncover if necessary), about 10 minutes. Stir in parsley.

Makes 8 servings.

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