Stracotto di Manzo

Ingredients

• 2.2 lb beef chuck (cut into chunks)
• 3 cups passata (or tomato sauce)
• 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup red wine
• 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 bay leaves (optional)
• salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Generously season the meat with salt and pepper.

2. 2

   Heat the olive oil in a large braising pan over medium-high heat. Add the meat and cook until no longer pink (about 10 minutes).

3. 3

   Add the sliced onion and sauté together with the meat for about 5 minutes or until the onions become slightly tender.

4. 4

   Pour the wine and mix well. Keep cooking for another 5 minutes stirring constantly.

5. 5

   Add the tomato passata sauce and pour water to lightly cover the meat. Add bay leaves and bring to a boil.

6. 6

   Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 3 hours, mixing from time to time and adding more water if needed.

7. 7

   When the meat will be extremely tender and the onions have melted into the stew, uncover the pan and allow the sauce to reduce to your desired consistency.

8. 8

   Adjust with salt and pepper then turn off the heat and let the stew sit for 10 minutes before serving.