
Photo from pinterest.com
Pašticada is a quintessential dish from Croatia’s Dalmatian region, known for its tender beef slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce. This classic dish is traditionally prepared for special occasions and family gatherings, with its complex flavors of wine, vegetables, and spices creating a hearty meal that takes time but is well worth the wait.
Ingredients
2.2 lb (1 kg) beef (preferably round or silverside)
0.22 lb (100 g) bacon
2 carrots (about 0.44 lb / 200 g)
2 onions (about 0.44 lb / 200 g)
3 cloves garlic
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 cup (240 ml) red wine vinegar
1.5 cups (360 ml) red wine
1 cup (240 ml) beef stock
4 cloves
2 bay leaves
0.5 lb (225 g) prunes
1 tbsp (15 g) tomato paste
1 tbsp (15 g) flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Beef: Begin by piercing the beef with a knife and stuffing the slits with bacon, garlic, and cloves. Season with salt and pepper, then marinate the beef in red wine vinegar for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade and sear it on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Prepare the Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Deglaze and Simmer: Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add beef stock, bay leaves, and prunes, then return the beef to the pot. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours, turning occasionally, until the beef is very tender.
Thicken the Sauce: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot. Blend the sauce with a hand blender or mash the vegetables to thicken the sauce. If necessary, stir in the flour to reach your desired consistency.
Slice and Serve: Slice the beef into thick pieces and serve it with the rich sauce poured on top.
Serving
Pašticada is traditionally served with gnocchi or homemade pasta, making it a perfect meal for a festive occasion. The flavorful sauce and tender beef create a dish that’s both comforting and full of depth.
Pašticada is a slow-cooked delight that embodies the soul of Dalmatian cuisine. Its combination of tender beef, aromatic spices, and rich sauce ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. While it takes time to prepare, the result is a hearty and memorable dish perfect for special gatherings.