21 Mar 2025
Cook time 440 min
Prep time 25 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
3 lb beef
5 bacon strips
2 onions
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp paprika
1 cup red wine
2 cups beef broth
2 cups pasta sauce
2 bay leafs
1 tbsp dried oregano
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup fresh parsley
Beef with almond picada is a delicious and aromatic dish combining tender beef, savory bacon, and a rich, flavorful sauce enhanced with the unique texture and flavor of almond picada. This recipe is perfect for a hearty family meal or a special dinner. The combination of almonds and fresh parsley in the picada adds a delightful crunch and fresh finish to the dish.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks.
- Chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Finely chop the onions.
- Mince the garlic.
- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden, then roughly chop them.
- Chop the fresh parsley.
2. Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef chunks in batches to the pot, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
3. Cook the Bacon and Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Build the Flavor:
- Stir in the paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the red wine and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes until it reduces by about half.
5. Combine and Simmer:
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Add the beef broth, pasta sauce, bay leaves, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
6. Prepare the Picada:
- In a small bowl, combine the toasted almonds and chopped fresh parsley.
7. Finish the Dish:
- Once the beef is tender, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Stir in the almond and parsley mix (the picada) just before serving to add a touch of texture and fresh flavor.
8. Serve:
- Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired. It pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Pat the beef dry before cooking to ensure a good sear, which enhances the flavor of the meat.
- Cook the bacon strips until they are crispy to add a deeper smoky flavor to the dish.
- Deglaze the pan with red wine after searing the beef to capture all the flavors from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer the beef slowly in the sauce to ensure it becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors.
- Use a food processor to finely chop the almonds and parsley for the picada, ensuring a consistent texture.
- Add the picada towards the end of the cooking process to preserve its fresh flavor and crunchy texture.
- Season the dish gradually, tasting frequently, to avoid over-salting, especially since the bacon and broth already contain salt.
Your Beef with almond picada is now ready to be enjoyed. The tender beef, complemented by a rich sauce and finished with the unique almond picada, creates an unforgettable experience. Serve this dish with a side of your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. Enjoy the fruits of your culinary efforts and impress your friends and family with this delightful recipe.