Leeks with Beef
Leeks with Beef Recipe from Romania - Ingredients: beef, leeks, tomato paste, sugar, lard, salt
Introduction
Leeks with beef is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the earthy flavor of leeks with the rich taste of beef. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
History
Leeks with beef is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of leeks and beef is a classic pairing that has stood the test of time.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Fry the meat pieces until they turn brown.
- Cover the meat with water, add a small amount of salt, and let it boil until the meat becomes tender.
- Meanwhile, clean the leeks, slice them, and blanch them.
- Arrange the drained leeks on top of the meat, add the tomato paste and sugar, and let it boil for 10 – 15 minutes on the stovetop.
- Then transfer the mixture to the oven and let it cook until the sauce thickens.
Variations
- Add mushrooms or carrots for extra flavor and texture.
- Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different twist on the dish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to brown the meat before boiling it to enhance the flavor.
- Blanching the leeks before adding them to the dish helps to soften them and remove any bitterness.
- Cooking the dish in the oven helps to thicken the sauce and meld the flavors together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve leeks with beef with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Cooking Techniques
Browning the meat before boiling helps to enhance the flavor.
- Cooking the dish in the oven helps to thicken the sauce and meld the flavors together.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version of the dish.
- Substitute olive oil for lard for a healthier option.
Make Ahead Tips
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Leeks with beef pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 250 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 5g per serving
Fats
Fats: 12g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 25g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Leeks are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and manganese.
Alergens
This recipe contains beef and may not be suitable for those with beef allergies.
Summary
Leeks with beef is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Leeks with beef is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. With a rich and flavorful sauce, tender beef, and soft leeks, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Leeks with Beef. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, in her quaint little cottage on the outskirts of town. Mrs. Jenkins was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I had always admired her culinary skills.
As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea, Mrs. Jenkins pulled out an old, weathered cookbook from her shelf. She flipped through the pages with a nostalgic smile, stopping at a recipe for Leeks with Beef. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and ingredients.
Mrs. Jenkins explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She described how the leeks added a subtle sweetness to the savory beef, creating a perfectly balanced and comforting dish. I could almost taste the fragrant aroma of the simmering beef and leeks as she spoke.
Eager to learn the recipe for myself, I begged Mrs. Jenkins to teach me how to make it. She chuckled at my enthusiasm and agreed to show me the ropes. We spent the afternoon chopping vegetables, browning the beef, and simmering the ingredients together in a large pot. The kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering scents of garlic, onions, and herbs as the dish cooked to perfection.
When we finally sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Leeks with Beef and was blown away by the depth of flavor and the tender texture of the meat. It was a dish unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a new favorite recipe.
From that day on, Leeks with Beef became a staple in my own kitchen. I would often make it for family dinners and special occasions, each time thinking fondly of Mrs. Jenkins and the day she had introduced me to this delicious dish. I added my own personal touches to the recipe over the years, experimenting with different seasonings and cooking techniques to make it truly my own.
As I grew older, I continued to collect recipes from friends, family, and even strangers I met along the way. Each recipe told a story, a glimpse into someone else's life and traditions. I cherished these recipes like precious treasures, carefully handwritten on worn index cards or torn-out pages from old cookbooks.
But the recipe for Leeks with Beef always held a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of that sunny afternoon in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, of the laughter and friendship we shared as we cooked together. And every time I made the dish, I felt a connection to her and to all the generations of women who had come before us, passing down their culinary wisdom from one kitchen to the next.
Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of simmering beef and leeks, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes and stories that have enriched my life. And as I take a bite of the savory, sweet dish that has brought me so much joy over the years, I am reminded once again of the power of food to connect us, to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls.
Categories
| Beef Recipes | Leek Recipes | Romanian Meat Dishes | Romanian Recipes | Tomato Paste Recipes |