Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Braised Beef with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Herbs?
It is a rich and comforting one-dish meal where beef stew meat is slowly cooked with aromatic vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, red wine, and herbs to create deep, savory flavors.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces, which becomes tender during the long braising process.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How long should I brown the beef?
The beef should be browned on all sides in olive oil for about 5 to 7 minutes over medium-high heat.
How long does it take to cook the onions?
The rough chopped onions should be cooked for about 7 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the mixture?
Flour is sprinkled over the beef and onions and cooked for 2 minutes to help thicken the sauce and remove the raw flour taste.
What liquids are used for the braising liquid?
The recipe uses a combination of 3/4 cup water, 1/2 cup red wine, and 1/2 cup beef broth.
How do I deglaze the pot?
After adding the liquids, scrape the bottom of the pot to release and capture all the flavorful browned bits.
What seasonings and herbs are included?
The dish is seasoned with dried rosemary, a bay leaf, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Why is brown sugar added to the beef?
A small amount of brown sugar (1/2 tablespoon) is added to create a delightful balance between the savory and sweet elements of the dish.
How long should the beef simmer while covered?
The beef should simmer covered for 1 hour to help tenderize the meat.
What should I do with the sun-dried tomatoes during cooking?
After the initial hour of simmering, remove the sun-dried tomatoes and set them aside to use as a garnish later.
How long do I simmer the sauce uncovered?
The beef should simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to concentrate.
When should I remove the bay leaf?
The bay leaf should be removed after the first hour of simmering, at the same time you remove the sun-dried tomatoes.
What is the calorie count for a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 25 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of the recipe?
The recipe contains 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 17 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This dish is best served over creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Is this a good dish for special occasions?
Yes, its deep flavors and tender meat make it perfect for both family dinners and special celebrations.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 1 clove of garlic, minced.
What type of sun-dried tomatoes should I buy?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes; typically, oil-packed or dry-packed can be used, though oil-packed adds more richness.
Can I use fresh rosemary?
While the recipe lists 3/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary, you can use fresh rosemary if you adjust the quantity (usually triple the amount for fresh).
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you should taste and adjust the seasoning at the end.
What temperature should I use for simmering?
Once the mixture reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of olive oil to brown the beef.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar?
The recipe data does not specify the exact fiber or sugar content, though it does include 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar as an ingredient.
Can I substitute the red wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or a splash of red wine vinegar mixed with water.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to garnish the hot beef with the reserved sun-dried tomatoes that were set aside earlier.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
No, this is a slow-cooked dish that requires about 1.5 hours of simmering time to achieve the proper tenderness and flavor concentration.