Ragout of Beef

Ragout of Beef Recipe from France with Carrots and Sour Cream

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ragout of Beef is a classic dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal. This dish features tender pieces of beef simmered in a savory broth with carrots and onions, then thickened with a creamy sour cream sauce. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this ragout is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

History

Ragout of Beef has its origins in French cuisine, where "ragout" refers to a stew made with meat and vegetables. This dish has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations found in different regions around the world. The combination of tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy sauce has made ragout a beloved comfort food for many.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of boneless beef stew meat
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 cup of chopped onion
2.5 cups of beef broth or water
1.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of ground black pepper
0.5 tsp of dill weed
4 large carrots, cut into thin strips
1.5 tbsp of flour
0.25 cup of sour cream
3 cups of hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Brown the meat on all sides in a buttered dutch oven.
Add garlic, onion, broth, salt, pepper, and dill.
Cover and simmer for 1 hour until the meat is almost tender.
Add carrots, cover, and continue cooking for 25 minutes.
Blend a little water into flour to make a thin paste.
Add the meat mixture.
Cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes or until thickened.
Blend in sour cream and heat, but do not boil.
Serve over beds of fluffy rice.

Variations

Try using different vegetables in the ragout, such as mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the most tender meat, be sure to brown it on all sides before simmering in the broth.

- Adding a touch of dill weed to the broth gives the ragout a subtle, herbaceous flavor.

- To thicken the sauce, make a paste with flour and water before adding it to the meat mixture.

- Be careful not to boil the sour cream, as it can curdle. Heat it gently until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Ragout of Beef is delicious served over hot cooked rice, but it can also be enjoyed with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat before simmering adds flavor and helps to seal in the juices.

- Thickening the sauce with a flour paste creates a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use beef broth or stock instead of water for a richer flavor.

- Substitute chicken or pork for the beef if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Ragout of Beef can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the ragout with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it in a shallow bowl over a mound of rice for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Ragout of Beef pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Ragout of Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ragout of Beef contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ragout of Beef contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ragout of Beef contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Ragout of Beef contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Ragout of Beef is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Ragout of Beef contains dairy (sour cream) and gluten (flour).

Summary

Ragout of Beef is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a comforting meal.

Summary

Ragout of Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. With tender pieces of beef, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy sauce, this ragout is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a crisp autumn day and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most delicious aroma wafting from her stove. Mrs. Jenkins was busy stirring a pot of bubbling beef stew, and I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe.

With a twinkle in her eye, Mrs. Jenkins began to tell me the story behind the ragout of beef recipe. She explained that it was a family heirloom, passed down through generations of talented cooks. The secret, she said, was in the slow simmering of the beef, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich and savory dish.

Intrigued by Mrs. Jenkins' passion for cooking, I asked her if she would be willing to teach me how to make the ragout of beef. Without hesitation, she agreed, and we spent the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping vegetables, browning meat, and adding just the right amount of herbs and spices to create the perfect balance of flavors.

As the stew simmered on the stove, Mrs. Jenkins shared stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her the recipe many years ago. She spoke of lazy Sunday afternoons spent in the kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents of simmering soups and stews. It was clear that cooking was not just a chore for Mrs. Jenkins, but a labor of love passed down through generations.

By the time the ragout of beef was ready, my mouth was watering with anticipation. Mrs. Jenkins ladled the steaming stew into bowls, sprinkling it with fresh parsley and serving it with crusty bread on the side. With the first bite, I knew that this dish was something truly special. The tender chunks of beef melted in my mouth, while the rich broth was infused with the flavors of garlic, thyme, and red wine.

After that day, I knew that I had to make the ragout of beef a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I diligently wrote down Mrs. Jenkins' recipe, making sure to capture every detail and secret ingredient. Over the years, I have made the dish countless times, experimenting with different cuts of beef, vegetables, and seasonings to create my own unique version of the recipe.

Each time I make the ragout of beef, I am transported back to that cozy kitchen with Mrs. Jenkins, surrounded by the comforting smells of simmering stew and the warmth of friendship. It is a dish that brings people together, nourishing both body and soul with its rich and hearty flavors.

I am grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for sharing her family recipe with me, and for inspiring me to continue the tradition of passing down the love of cooking to future generations. The ragout of beef will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the power of good food and good friends to bring joy and comfort to our lives. And for that, I am truly thankful.