Classic Tuscan Peposo
Classic Tuscan Peposo is a hearty and aromatic beef stew that showcases the rich flavors of Tuscany. Originating from the hills of Chianti, this dish is traditionally cooked in terracotta pots, which intensify the flavors of the ingredients. With tender pieces of beef shank, fragrant garlic, and a robust blend of dried pepper and red wine, Peposo makes for a delightful comfort meal. Perfectly paired with your favorite pasta or rustic bread, it brings the essence of Italian home cooking to your table. The recipe shared by Alvaro from Da Padellina in Strada in Chianti captures the authentic taste of this classic dish. Buon Appetito!
6
Servings
350
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Beef shank
2 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Italian tomatoes
12 ounces (roughly chopped)
Garlic cloves
6 (chopped)
Fresh ground pepper
1 tablespoon
Salt
1/2 tablespoon
Red wine
1 cup
Water
as needed
Instructions
1
In a deep, heavy pot or Dutch oven, combine the beef shank cubes, chopped garlic, roughly chopped tomatoes, salt, and ground pepper.
2
Cover the mixture with cold water, ensuring the ingredients are fully submerged.
3
Bring the contents to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
4
After 2 hours, carefully remove the lid and pour in the red wine. Stir well to incorporate.
5
Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional hour, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken, and the flavors to deepen.
6
Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with fettuccini or crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
6g
Carbs
58g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Tuscan Peposo?
Classic Tuscan Peposo is a hearty and aromatic beef stew originating from the hills of Chianti, known for its rich flavors of garlic, pepper, and red wine.
What cut of meat is used in this Peposo recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of beef shank, cut into 1-inch cubes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of wine should be used for this dish?
A robust red wine is recommended to capture the authentic Tuscan taste.
How long is the total cooking time for Peposo?
The dish takes approximately 3 hours of simmering: 2 hours covered with water and 1 hour uncovered with red wine.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 6 chopped garlic cloves.
What side dishes go well with Tuscan Peposo?
It is traditionally served hot with fettuccini or crusty, rustic bread.
Does the meat need to be covered with liquid while cooking?
Yes, the beef cubes should be fully submerged in cold water at the start of the cooking process.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 350 calories per serving.
How much protein is in one serving of Peposo?
Each serving contains 58g of protein.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of roughly chopped Italian tomatoes.
What is the traditional cooking vessel for this dish?
While this recipe uses a Dutch oven, Peposo is traditionally cooked in terracotta pots to intensify the flavors.
How much pepper is used in Classic Tuscan Peposo?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh ground pepper.
Who provided this authentic Peposo recipe?
The recipe was shared by Alvaro from Da Padellina in Strada in Chianti.
Is the beef browned before simmering?
No, the ingredients are combined in a pot and brought to a boil with water without prior browning.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 10g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 6g of carbohydrates per serving.
When do I add the red wine?
The 1 cup of red wine is added after the beef has simmered for the first 2 hours.
Should I cook the stew covered or uncovered?
Cook it covered for the first 2 hours and uncovered for the final hour to allow the sauce to thicken.
What size should the beef be cut?
The beef shank should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/2 tablespoon of salt.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting and adjusting the seasoning if necessary once cooking is complete.
What temperature should I use to cook the stew?
Bring the pot to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
How much water should I add to the pot?
Add enough cold water to ensure all ingredients are fully submerged.
Should the pepper be whole or ground?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh ground pepper.
What defines the aroma of this dish?
The aromatic quality comes from the blend of slow-cooked beef, garlic, and a significant amount of black pepper.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a delightful comfort meal that brings the essence of Italian home cooking to your table.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The 12 ounces of Italian tomatoes should be roughly chopped.
Why is the final hour of cooking uncovered?
The final hour is uncovered to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken while deepening the flavors.
Where exactly in Tuscany does this dish come from?
It originates from the hills of Chianti in the Tuscany region of Italy.