Beef Pizzaiola

Introduction

History

The origins of Beef Pizzaiola trace back to Southern Italy, particularly the regions of Naples and Campania, where tomatoes are a staple ingredient in the local cuisine. The term "pizzaiola" refers to the style of cooking that uses ingredients commonly found on pizza, such as tomatoes, garlic, and oregano. This dish was traditionally made by Italian housewives who used the tomato sauce to tenderize tougher cuts of meat, making it a practical yet flavorful meal for their families.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the beef in your Pizzaiola is perfectly tender and flavorful, consider these tips:

- Use high-quality, thinly sliced steaks for the best results.

- Gently fry the garlic to avoid burning, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the sauce.

- Let the tomato sauce simmer with the seasonings for a few minutes before adding the meat to deepen the flavors.

- Cook the beef over low heat to ensure it becomes tender without overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Beef Pizzaiola with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or over a bed of cooked spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative to pasta. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch of flavor and color.

Cooking Techniques

For an even more tender meat, consider marinating the beef slices in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking. Slow cooking the beef in the sauce on a very low heat can also enhance the tenderness and flavor infusion.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh tomatoes are in season, use them instead of canned for a fresher taste.

- Substitute dried oregano with fresh oregano, using three times the amount.

- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the tomato sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the beef, and cook until tender. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together more fully.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Beef Pizzaiola on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Accompany with artisan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, to complement the rich tomato sauce and savory beef. A crisp, green salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette makes a refreshing side.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Beef Pizzaiola contains approximately 300 calories, making it a moderate-calorie option that can fit into various dietary plans, especially when served with a side of vegetables or a salad.

Carbohydrates

This Beef Pizzaiola recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary source being the tomatoes. A serving of this dish contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

The olive oil and the natural fats from the beef contribute to the fat content of this dish. A serving of Beef Pizzaiola contains about 15 grams of fat, with a mix of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fats. Using high-quality olive oil can increase the amount of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Proteins

Beef Pizzaiola is an excellent source of protein, with each serving providing approximately 35 grams of protein. This makes it a great option for muscle repair and growth, as well as keeping you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly from the tomatoes and beef. Tomatoes provide vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant. Beef is a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. However, those with specific food sensitivities should always check the ingredients list of each product used to ensure it meets their dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, Beef Pizzaiola is a nutritious and balanced dish, offering a good mix of proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Its low carbohydrate content makes it suitable for those on low-carb diets, while its rich flavor profile makes it a satisfying meal option.

Summary

Beef Pizzaiola is a versatile and flavorful dish that embodies the essence of Italian cooking. With its rich nutritional profile and comforting taste, it's a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Beef Pizzaiola. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that belonged to my mother, which she had inherited from her own mother. The pages were yellowed and fragile, but the recipe for Beef Pizzaiola stood out to me, written in my grandmother's elegant script.

I had never heard of Beef Pizzaiola before, but the name alone intrigued me. I imagined a dish bursting with flavor and made with love, just like all the recipes my grandmother used to make. I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

I remember asking my grandmother about the recipe, and her eyes lit up with excitement. She told me that she had learned how to make Beef Pizzaiola from her own mother, who had learned it from a close friend many years ago. It was a cherished family recipe, passed down from one generation to the next.

My grandmother invited me into her kitchen that day, and together we set out to make Beef Pizzaiola. She showed me how to season the beef with oregano, garlic, and red pepper flakes, and then brown it in a hot skillet until it was perfectly seared on all sides. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a blend of rich tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and savory beef.

As the Beef Pizzaiola simmered on the stove, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood, of days spent in the kitchen with her mother and siblings, laughing and cooking together. I could feel the love and tradition that surrounded this recipe, and I knew that I was a part of something special.

When the Beef Pizzaiola was finally ready, my grandmother and I sat down at the table to enjoy our meal. The flavors were even better than I had imagined, each bite bursting with the tangy sweetness of tomatoes, the heat of the red pepper flakes, and the richness of the beef. It was a dish that warmed both body and soul, filling me with a sense of comfort and nostalgia.

From that day on, Beef Pizzaiola became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for my own children, passing down the recipe and the stories that went along with it. It became a symbol of family and tradition, a way to connect with my past and honor the generations that came before me.

I often think back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen, learning how to make Beef Pizzaiola for the first time. It was a moment of discovery and connection, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime. And every time I make Beef Pizzaiola now, I feel my grandmother's presence with me, guiding my hands and filling my heart with love.

Categories

| Beef Recipes | Oregano Recipes | Slavic Recipes | Slovenian Meat Dishes | Slovenian Recipes |

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