Original Cyn's Swiss Steak

Original Cyn's Swiss Steak Recipe - Traditional Swiss Cuisine

Region / culture: Switzerland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 60 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Swiss steak is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe for Original Cyn's Swiss Steak is sure to become a favorite in your household with its tender round steak and flavorful tomato-based sauce.

History

Swiss steak has been a popular dish in American cuisine for decades, with its roots in traditional European cooking techniques. The name "Swiss steak" is actually a misnomer, as the dish has no actual connection to Switzerland. Instead, the term "Swiss" refers to the method of tenderizing the meat by pounding or braising it.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) round steak
1 tbsp flour
1.5 cups beef bouillon
0.75 cup ketchup
0.75 cup water
3 tbsp tarragon vinegar
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
0.25 tsp oregano
0.25 tsp marjoram
0.13 tsp thyme
dash of garlic powder

How to prepare

Cut the round steak into serving pieces.
Dip the meat into flour and brown it in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil.
Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
Add the remaining ingredients to the pan, bring it to a boil while scraping the pan and stirring.
Return the steak to the pan (or place it in a deep casserole dish and pour the juices over it).
Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
Check on the meat occasionally and add a little water in small amounts while baking to prevent it from burning or drying out, and to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.
This recipe serves 4 generously.

Variations

For a twist on this classic recipe, try adding diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sauce. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the most tender and flavorful Swiss steak, be sure to brown the meat before baking it in the sauce. This step helps to seal in the juices and create a delicious crust on the outside of the steak. Additionally, be sure to check on the meat periodically while it is baking to prevent it from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Original Cyn's Swiss Steak with mashed potatoes or rice and a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Swiss steak is to cook the meat low and slow to ensure that it becomes tender and flavorful. Braising the steak in a flavorful sauce helps to infuse it with delicious flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tarragon vinegar on hand, you can substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. You can also use tomato sauce in place of ketchup for a slightly different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare Original Cyn's Swiss Steak ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Original Cyn's Swiss Steak in a shallow bowl with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Original Cyn's Swiss Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the steak and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Original Cyn's Swiss Steak contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Original Cyn's Swiss Steak contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Original Cyn's Swiss Steak contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Original Cyn's Swiss Steak contains approximately 40 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Original Cyn's Swiss Steak is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (flour) and soy (worcestershire sauce).

Summary

Original Cyn's Swiss Steak is a hearty and satisfying dish that is rich in protein and essential nutrients. It is a great option for a balanced meal.

Summary

Original Cyn's Swiss Steak is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. With its tender round steak and flavorful tomato-based sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I was rummaging through an old wooden recipe box that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and tattered magazine clippings, my eyes landed on a faded piece of paper with the words "Original Cyn's Swiss Steak" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive.

I had never heard of Swiss steak before, but the recipe looked simple enough - beef round steak, tomatoes, onions, and a handful of spices. It seemed like the perfect dish to warm us up on a cold winter night. I could almost taste the rich, savory flavors just thinking about it.

I had always been passionate about cooking, and I had learned many recipes from various places and people over the years. But there was something special about this recipe. It felt like a hidden gem, waiting to be uncovered and shared with my loved ones.

I decided to give it a try that very evening. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the instructions carefully. The aroma of onions and tomatoes simmering on the stove filled the air, and I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment as I watched the dish come together.

When I finally sat down to taste the finished product, I was blown away by the depth of flavor and tenderness of the meat. The tomatoes had cooked down into a rich, velvety sauce that clung to the steak like a warm hug. It was a revelation, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but wonder about the origins of this recipe. Who was Cyn, and how had she come up with such a brilliant dish? I imagined her to be a seasoned cook, with a kitchen filled with the tantalizing scents of herbs and spices.

Over the years, I made Original Cyn's Swiss Steak countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my own tastes. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. It became a dish that was requested for special occasions and family gatherings, a symbol of warmth and comfort that brought us together around the table.

As time passed, I often found myself thinking about Cyn and the legacy of her recipe. I wondered if she had passed it down to her own grandchildren, who in turn shared it with their loved ones. I imagined a chain of cooks, each adding their own touch to the dish while keeping the essence of the original intact.

I like to think that Cyn would be proud of how her recipe has lived on, bringing joy and nourishment to so many. I like to think that she would smile to see me standing in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of bubbling tomatoes and onions, just as she had done so many years ago.

And so, as I sit here now, surrounded by the comforting aroma of beef and tomatoes, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of this recipe. It has brought me closer to my loved ones, sparked joy and connection, and provided sustenance in times of need.

I may never know the full story behind Original Cyn's Swiss Steak, but I do know that it has become a cherished part of my own culinary journey. And for that, I am forever grateful.