Beef Round Eye Sandwiches

Brazilian Beef Round Eye Sandwiches Recipe with Tomatoes, Onions, and Green Pepper

Region / culture: Brazil | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Beef Round Eye Sandwiches are a delightful and savory option for any meal, offering a perfect blend of tender beef and fresh vegetables. This recipe takes a classic approach to preparing beef round eye, a cut known for its lean quality and rich flavor, and pairs it with a vibrant mix of tomatoes, onions, and green pepper. Ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or a hearty lunch, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious way to enjoy beef in a healthier, yet flavorful manner.

History

The history of Beef Round Eye Sandwiches traces back to traditional methods of preparing beef in various cultures. The round eye cut comes from the rear leg of the cow and is known for its lean texture. Historically, cooking lean cuts of beef required methods that would tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavors from various herbs, spices, and vegetables. This recipe is inspired by such traditions, incorporating a simple yet effective marination and cooking process that highlights the beef's natural flavors, complemented by the freshness of the added vegetables.

Ingredients

1 piece of beef round eye
4 cups of water
1 cup of vinegar
2 tsp of salt
2 cloves of crushed garlic
1 lb (454 g) of tomatoes
2 onions
1 green pepper

How to prepare

Place the beef in a pressure cooker along with the water, vinegar, salt, and garlic.
Cook over medium heat for approximately 50 minutes, or until the pressure regulator begins to release steam.
While the beef is cooling, combine diced tomatoes (0.25 inch cubes), diced onions, diced green pepper, 1 tsp of salt, and ground pepper.
Thinly slice the cooked beef.
In a glass casserole dish, layer the sliced beef and the tomato-onion-pepper mixture, alternating between the two.
Refrigerate the casserole to allow the flavors to meld together.

Variations

For a spicier version, add slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato-onion-pepper mixture. For a Mediterranean twist, incorporate olives and feta cheese into the layers.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the beef round eye is perfectly cooked and tender, it's crucial to slice the meat against the grain. This technique helps in breaking down the muscle fibers, making the beef more tender and easier to chew. Additionally, allowing the beef and vegetable mixture to refrigerate and meld together not only enhances the flavors but also ensures the meat absorbs the tangy essence of the vinegar, making each bite a perfect blend of savory and slightly acidic notes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Beef Round Eye Sandwiches on whole-grain bread or rolls for a hearty sandwich. You can also pair them with a side of mixed greens or a fresh salad for a lighter meal option.

Cooking Techniques

Using a pressure cooker for the beef ensures it becomes tender and flavorful in a shorter amount of time compared to traditional slow-cooking methods. The marination and refrigeration process allows the flavors to deepen and meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If vinegar is too strong for your taste, you can substitute it with lemon juice for a milder acidity. For a different vegetable profile, try substituting bell peppers with roasted red peppers or adding sliced cucumbers for a crunch.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together even more. It's perfect for meal prep or making ahead for a gathering.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, layer the beef and vegetable mixture on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and serve with artisan bread on the side.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Beef Round Eye Sandwiches with a light red wine, such as a Pinot Noir, or a crisp beer, like a lager, to complement the flavors of the beef and vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the beef and vegetable mixture in a pan over low heat to maintain its tenderness.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Beef Round Eye Sandwiches contains approximately 200 calories, making it a moderate-calorie option suitable for those managing their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

This Beef Round Eye Sandwich recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the tomatoes, onions, and green pepper. The total carbohydrate content per serving is approximately 10 grams, making it a suitable option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

Beef round eye is a lean cut of meat, resulting in a lower fat content for this dish. The total fat per serving is roughly 5 grams, with minimal saturated fat due to the absence of high-fat ingredients. This makes the Beef Round Eye Sandwiches a heart-healthy option.

Proteins

Protein is the star of this dish, with the beef round eye providing a substantial amount per serving. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein, making this recipe an excellent choice for muscle repair and growth, as well as keeping you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, primarily from the tomatoes, onions, and green pepper. It provides vitamin C, potassium, and iron, among others. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, potassium is crucial for heart health, and iron is essential for blood production.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten, making it suitable for individuals with these specific dietary restrictions. However, always check individual ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, Beef Round Eye Sandwiches offer a balanced nutritional profile, with a good amount of protein, low carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a wholesome, nutritious option for a meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Summary

Beef Round Eye Sandwiches are a versatile and nutritious option that combines the rich flavors of beef with the freshness of vegetables. This recipe not only offers a delicious meal but also provides a healthy balance of nutrients. With various serving suggestions and the ability to make ahead, it's a perfect choice for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Beef Round Eye Sandwiches. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret at her farm. Margaret had always been a wonderful cook, and I loved spending time in her kitchen, watching her work her magic with ingredients.

On that particular day, Margaret had invited me to help her prepare lunch for her family. As we stood in her kitchen, she handed me a worn old recipe card that had been passed down through her family for generations. The recipe was for Beef Round Eye Sandwiches, a dish that Margaret's grandmother had brought with her from the old country.

I had never heard of Beef Round Eye Sandwiches before, but as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could tell it was going to be something special. The recipe called for thinly sliced beef round eye steaks, marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The steaks were then grilled to perfection and served on crusty French bread with caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese.

Margaret explained to me that the key to making the perfect Beef Round Eye Sandwiches was in the marinating process. The longer you marinated the beef, the more flavorful and tender it would become. She also stressed the importance of grilling the steaks just right – not too rare, but not overcooked either.

As Margaret and I worked together in the kitchen, she shared stories with me about her grandmother and the traditions she had passed down to her. Margaret's grandmother had been a skilled cook, known for her ability to transform simple ingredients into delicious meals that brought people together.

I could see the love and care that went into each step of the recipe as Margaret guided me through the process. From slicing the beef round eye steaks to sautéing the onions, every detail was important. As the aroma of the marinating beef filled the kitchen, I knew that this dish was going to be something truly special.

When the Beef Round Eye Sandwiches were finally ready, Margaret and I gathered her family around the table to enjoy the fruits of our labor. As we bit into the sandwiches, the flavors exploded in our mouths – the savory beef, the tangy marinade, the sweet onions, and the gooey cheese all combined to create a symphony of tastes.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe from Margaret. It was more than just a dish – it was a connection to the past, a way of honoring the traditions and memories of those who had come before us.

From that day on, Beef Round Eye Sandwiches became a staple in my own kitchen. Whenever I made them, I could feel Margaret's presence beside me, guiding my hands and sharing in the joy of creating something delicious and meaningful.

And so, as I pass this recipe down to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will feel the same sense of wonder and connection that I did when I first learned to make Beef Round Eye Sandwiches. May it bring you joy, nourishment, and a taste of the rich culinary heritage that has been passed down through our family for generations.