Beef in Madeira Sauce

Beef in Madeira Sauce Recipe from Spain

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Beef in Madeira Sauce is a classic dish that combines the rich flavors of beef with the exquisite taste of Madeira wine, creating a luxurious and comforting meal. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the depth of flavor that comes from slow-cooking beef in a savory sauce enhanced by the unique sweetness of Madeira. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

History

The origins of cooking with Madeira wine can be traced back to the 15th and 16th centuries when the island of Madeira was a popular port for ships traveling to the New World. Madeira wine, known for its ability to age well and withstand long sea voyages, became a staple ingredient in European cooking. Beef in Madeira Sauce is a dish that has evolved over time, combining the traditional use of Madeira wine in cooking with the rich flavors of beef to create a timeless classic.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) lean boneless beef round steak, 0.33 inch thick
0.33 cup flour
1.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
0.5 cup chopped onion
2 4 oz (113 g) cans sliced mushrooms and liquid
1 cup beef broth
0.25 tsp tarragon
0.25 tsp chervil
0.5 cup madeira wine
0.75 cup half and half
3 cup hot cooked rice
chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to prepare

Tenderize the steak at the butcher.
Cut the steak into 1 inch squares.
Dust the steak with flour, salt, and pepper.
Set aside the leftover flour mixture.
In a pan, brown the steak in oil for about 5 minutes.
Add onion, mushrooms, liquid (broth), tarragon, and chervil to the pan.
Cover the pan and let it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
Remove the lid.
Pour wine into the pan and cook until the liquid is reduced by half.
Combine the remaining flour with cream.
Add the flour and cream mixture to the meat in the pan and cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
Serve the dish over fluffy beds of rice and garnish with parsley.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try using pork tenderloin or chicken breasts instead of beef. You can also experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or thyme to add a new dimension to the sauce. For a creamier sauce, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese during the final minutes of cooking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the beef is tender and flavorful, it's important to tenderize the steak before cooking. Cutting the steak into squares allows for more even cooking and better absorption of the sauce. Browning the steak before adding it to the sauce helps to lock in flavors and adds a depth of taste to the dish. When reducing the wine, make sure to do it over low heat to prevent the sauce from becoming bitter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Beef in Madeira Sauce over a fluffy bed of hot cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. A side of steamed green beans or glazed carrots would complement the rich flavors of the beef and Madeira sauce perfectly.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe utilizes several cooking techniques, including browning, simmering, and sauce reduction. Browning the meat before simmering helps to develop a rich flavor, while simmering ensures the meat becomes tender. Reducing the sauce concentrates the flavors and creates a silky texture that beautifully coats the beef.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Madeira wine is not available, you can substitute it with another sweet fortified wine such as port or sherry. Instead of half and half, you can use a combination of milk and butter for a similar richness. Fresh tarragon and chervil can be replaced with dried herbs if necessary, using a third of the amount called for fresh.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving. The flavors often deepen when allowed to meld overnight. Store the beef and sauce separately from the rice, and gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, serve the Beef in Madeira Sauce on a platter surrounded by a ring of rice. Drizzle some of the sauce over the top and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and perhaps a few edible flowers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

A glass of Madeira wine is the perfect pairing for this dish, echoing the flavors in the sauce. For a non-alcoholic option, a rich beef broth or a mushroom consommé would complement the savory notes of the beef and sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Beef in Madeira Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the beef and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to thin the sauce. Serve over freshly cooked rice for the best taste.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Beef in Madeira Sauce contains approximately 500 calories. The calories come from a combination of the protein-rich beef, the fats used in cooking, and the carbohydrates from the flour and rice.

Carbohydrates

This dish contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the flour used to dust the steak and the hot cooked rice served with the beef. To reduce the carbohydrate content, you can serve the beef over a bed of cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables instead of traditional rice.

Fats

Each serving of Beef in Madeira Sauce contains about 15 grams of fat, with the majority coming from the vegetable oil used for browning the steak and the half and half added to the sauce. For a lighter version, you can use a reduced-fat cream or substitute it with a mixture of milk and cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Proteins

This dish is a good source of protein, providing approximately 35 grams per serving. The lean boneless round steak is the primary source of protein, making this meal a satisfying option for those looking to maintain or increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

Beef in Madeira Sauce is rich in several vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism and maintaining healthy blood cells. The mushrooms add a good source of selenium, an important antioxidant.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as wheat (flour) and dairy (half and half). Those with gluten or dairy sensitivities can substitute gluten-free flour and dairy-free cream alternatives.

Summary

Overall, Beef in Madeira Sauce is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It can be easily modified to suit different dietary needs and preferences.

Summary

Beef in Madeira Sauce is a sumptuous dish that combines tender beef with a rich and flavorful sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and elegant presentation. With tips for making ahead and storing leftovers, it's also a practical choice for busy home cooks looking for gourmet results.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Beef in Madeira Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known far and wide for her culinary skills. As soon as I entered her cozy kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of beef simmering in a rich, savory sauce filled the air.

"Ah, you're just in time to taste my latest creation," Margaret exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She handed me a spoonful of the tender beef, which practically melted in my mouth. The sauce, a velvety blend of Madeira wine, beef broth, and aromatic herbs, was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

"I must have the recipe for this divine dish," I declared, my taste buds still tingling with delight. Margaret chuckled and handed me a tattered piece of paper with faded writing. "Here you go, my dear. It's an old family recipe that has been passed down for generations. I'm sure you'll do it justice."

I thanked Margaret profusely and carefully tucked the recipe into my purse, eager to recreate the magic of that Beef in Madeira Sauce in my own kitchen. Little did I know that this humble piece of paper would become a cherished treasure, unlocking a world of culinary delights for me to explore.

As I returned home and set to work in my own kitchen, I followed the recipe with precision, savoring each step as if it were a secret incantation. The beef browned to perfection, the onions caramelized to a golden hue, and the Madeira wine lent a subtle sweetness to the sauce that was truly enchanting.

As I took my first bite of the finished dish, I closed my eyes and felt a rush of joy wash over me. This was not just a recipe – it was a connection to a long line of cooks and food lovers who had come before me, each adding their own touch to the dish and passing it on to the next generation.

Over the years, I have made Beef in Madeira Sauce countless times, each batch slightly different from the last as I experimented with new ingredients and techniques. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all marveled at its complexity and depth of flavor.

But it wasn't until I stumbled upon an old cookbook at a flea market one day that I truly understood the significance of this recipe. The cookbook, a worn and weathered tome from the 19th century, contained a nearly identical recipe for Beef in Madeira Sauce, complete with handwritten notes in the margins.

As I pored over the pages, tracing the lineage of this beloved dish through time and space, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for all the cooks who had come before me, each adding their own chapter to the story of Beef in Madeira Sauce. I realized that this recipe was not just a dish to be cooked and eaten – it was a living, breathing piece of history that connected me to a world beyond my own.

And so, as I stand in my kitchen today, stirring a pot of Beef in Madeira Sauce and breathing in the intoxicating aroma of wine and herbs, I feel a deep sense of pride and purpose. I am a keeper of tradition, a guardian of flavors long forgotten, and a storyteller through food.

As I take a bite of the tender beef, bathed in a luscious sauce that sings of centuries past, I am reminded of the power of a simple recipe to transcend time and space, bringing together generations of cooks and food lovers in a shared love of good food and good company.

And so, I pass on this recipe for Beef in Madeira Sauce to you, my dear grandchild, with the hope that you will carry on the tradition with the same love and devotion that I have. May it bring you joy, satisfaction, and a deep connection to the rich tapestry of culinary history that we are all a part of.

With love and a full heart,

Your grandmother