Brasato al Barolo

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A classic Piedmontese dish: beef braised in Barolo wine until meltingly tender.

Prep 20 min
Cook 4 hrs
Total 4 hr 20 min
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Place the beef in a large bowl and pour the wine over it. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme and rosemary. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight.

  2. Remove the meat from the marinade and pat dry with kitchen paper. Strain the marinade, reserving both the liquid and vegetables.

  3. Brown the meat thoroughly on all sides in a little butter and olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over high heat, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.

  4. Turn the heat down to medium and sauté the vegetables from the marinade in the same pot for about 5 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.

  5. Return the meat to the pot and pour the marinade over it. The meat should be nearly covered with liquid. Bring to the boil.

  6. Cover and braise on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, or in the oven at 160°C, until the meat is tender and falling apart.

  7. Remove the meat and keep warm. Strain the sauce into a saucepan and reduce over medium heat to the desired consistency, glossy and rich, about 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

  8. Slice the meat thickly and serve with the sauce poured over, ideally with polenta, risotto or parmesan mashed potatoes.

Notes

Tips: The longer the meat marinates in the wine, the richer the flavour. Leave it in the fridge overnight if you can.

Storage: Tastes even better the next day. Keeps in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Variations: Also works beautifully with a good Amarone or another powerful Nebbiolo wine.

Nutrition per serving

Calories
621 kcal
Carbohydrates
8 g
Protein
47 g
Fat
39 g
Saturated fat
16 g
Polyunsaturated fat
2 g
Monounsaturated fat
18 g
Cholesterol
175 mg
Sodium
196 mg
Potassium
963 mg
Fiber
2 g
Sugar
3 g

Nutrition values are estimates.