Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that transports you to the rolling green hills of Ireland? Look no further! This Irish Spiced Beef recipe is a delicious and surprisingly easy dish perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering big on taste without requiring hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a truly delicious and satisfying meal – a perfect example of quick dinner ideas done right!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef brisket (or chuck roast)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Irish brown sugar (or regular brown sugar)
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Pat the beef brisket dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a nice sear. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Building Flavor
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef brisket on all sides until nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor and a beautiful crust. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Sautéing Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Creating the Spice Blend
Stir in the brown sugar, coriander, ginger, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices slightly and release their aromas. This enhances the overall flavor profile of your dish.
Step 5: Braising the Beef
Return the beef brisket to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and braise for at least 2-3 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. For an even more tender result, consider braising for 3-4 hours, particularly if using a tougher cut like chuck roast.
Step 6: Serving your Delicious Creation
Once the beef is cooked through, remove it from the pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Skim off any excess fat from the braising liquid. You can thicken the sauce by simmering it uncovered for a few minutes, or serve it as is. Slice the beef against the grain and serve it with the delicious, flavorful sauce alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Irish Spiced Beef:
- Choosing your beef: Brisket is traditional, but chuck roast works wonderfully too. Just adjust the braising time accordingly.
- Don't skimp on the spices: The spice blend is what makes this dish truly special. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste.
- Slow and low is key: Braising at a low temperature ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is even better the next day! The flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Throw in some potatoes, parsnips, or turnips during the last hour of braising for a complete one-pot meal.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice blend for a little kick.
- Make it a stew: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply simmer the braising liquid uncovered for a longer period to reduce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: Approximately 40-50g Fat: Approximately 25-30g Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Irish Spiced Beef recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are both comforting and satisfying. Enjoy this taste of Ireland from the comfort of your own kitchen! It’s a simple recipe that delivers incredible flavour and is sure to become a favourite amongst your easy recipes. Happy cooking!