Braised Beef Cheeks
- Preparing Time: -
- Total Time: -
- Served Person: Makes 4 main-course servings
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 (12-oz) beef cheeks, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1/2 celery rib, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups red wine (preferably a dry lambrusco or chianti)
- 1 (28- to 32-oz) can whole tomatoes including juice, chopped (3 cups)
- Carbohydrate 14 g(5%)
- Cholesterol 205 mg(68%)
- Fat 30 g(46%)
- Fiber 5 g(19%)
- Protein 68 g(136%)
- Saturated Fat 8 g(38%)
- Sodium 1354 mg(56%)
- Calories 669
Preparation Heat 2 tablespoons oil in an ovenproof 6-quart wide heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. While oil is heating, pat beef cheeks dry and season with salt and pepper. Brown beef, without crowding, on all sides, about 20 minutes total, and transfer with tongs to a bowl. Pour off fat from pot, then add remaining 2 tablespoons oil and cook onion, carrot, and celery over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 325°F. Stir cocoa powder into vegetable mixture, then add wine and scrape up any brown bits. Increase heat to high and boil until liquid is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Return cheeks (with any juices) to pot and add tomatoes with juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then braise, covered, in middle of oven until very tender, about 3 hours. Cooks' note:• Beef cheeks improve in flavor if made up to 2 days ahead. Cool, uncovered, then chill, surface covered with parchment paper or wax paper and pot covered with lid. Remove any solidified fat before reheating.
Preparation Heat 2 tablespoons oil in an ovenproof 6-quart wide heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. While oil is heating, pat beef cheeks dry and season with salt and pepper. Brown beef, without crowding, on all sides, about 20 minutes total, and transfer with tongs to a bowl. Pour off fat from pot, then add remaining 2 tablespoons oil and cook onion, carrot, and celery over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 325°F. Stir cocoa powder into vegetable mixture, then add wine and scrape up any brown bits. Increase heat to high and boil until liquid is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Return cheeks (with any juices) to pot and add tomatoes with juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then braise, covered, in middle of oven until very tender, about 3 hours. Cooks' note:• Beef cheeks improve in flavor if made up to 2 days ahead. Cool, uncovered, then chill, surface covered with parchment paper or wax paper and pot covered with lid. Remove any solidified fat before reheating.
