Teresa's Recipes
Pasticada
Pasticada is a beloved Croatian dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. This rich and aromatic beef stew is traditionally served with pasta, such as gnocchi or fettuccine, and is celebrated for its deep, complex flavors brought forth by a marination in red wine and a medley of herbs and spices. The tender chunks of beef, simmered to perfection, are enveloped in a robust sauce that is both hearty and satisfying. This dish is often served during special occasions and family gatherings, making it a true culinary treasure of Croatia.
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds Beef chuck roast
- 2 cups Red wine
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 large, chopped Onion
- 2, sliced Carrots
- 2, chopped Celery stalks
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1-2 cups (as needed) Water
- 1 pound Pasta (such as gnocchi or fettuccine)
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6-8
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marination Time: 4 hours or overnight
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- In a large bowl, marinate the beef chuck roast in red wine for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to enhance the flavors.
- Remove the beef from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Reserve the marinade for later use.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef and brown it on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, dried rosemary, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper, mixing until well combined.
- Return the beef to the pot, pour in the reserved marinade, and add enough water to cover the beef. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and flavorful.
- While the beef is cooking, prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the beef is tender, carefully remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain.
- Serve the sliced beef over the cooked pasta, generously topping it with the rich sauce from the pot.
- Enjoy your delicious Pasticada, a taste of Croatia in your home!
Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce while it simmers.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.