Perfecting stroganoff: From classic beef to tasty twists
Are you in the mood for something delicious and hearty? Stroganoff is the perfect dish for a family dinner or a formal gathering. Tender pieces of beef immersed in a delightful sauce create a combination that melts in your mouth and will have your loved ones asking for seconds!
Stroganoff has enjoyed unwavering popularity at our tables for years. Delicate pieces of meat in an aromatic, creamy sauce make it hard to resist. Although traditionally made with beef tenderloin, stroganoff has seen many variations to suit different tastes and culinary possibilities. So, how do you prepare this classic dish to impress your household?
How to prepare the perfect stroganoff?
The key to a successful stroganoff is choosing the right meat. Beef tenderloin works best, but due to its price and availability, it can be replaced with other more accessible cuts of beef, such as sirloin tip or roast beef. The meat must be fresh and free of membranes to ensure the dish's tenderness.
Ingredients:
- 450 g beef tenderloin or other beef,
- 1 onion,
- 1 red bell pepper,
- 200 g mushrooms,
- 2 pickles,
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste,
- 500 ml beef broth,
- 2 tablespoons wheat flour,
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil,
- 2 cloves of garlic,
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika,
- salt & pepper to taste,
- optional: about 125 ml 18% cream.
Preparation:
- Prepare the meat – clean it of membranes and cut into thin strips. In a bowl, mix the flour with salt and pepper, then coat the pieces of beef in it.
- Sear the meat – heat the oil in a large pan and add the beef. Sear on high heat until the meat is nicely browned. Transfer it to a pot.
- Prepare the vegetables – peel and dice the onion, clean the seeds from the pepper and cut into strips, slice the mushrooms, and cut the pickles into sticks.
- Sauté the vegetables – in the same pan used to sear the meat, sauté the onion, then add the mushrooms and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Combine the ingredients – transfer the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the meat, add the chopped pickles, garlic pressed through a garlic press, and tomato paste. Pour in the broth and mix.
- Stew the dish – bring the stroganoff to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook covered for 30-40 minutes until the meat becomes tender.
- Thicken the sauce and season – if the sauce is too runny, mix some flour with water and add to the pot. You can also add cream to give the dish a creamy consistency. Finally, season with salt and pepper.
Stroganoff tastes best when served with crispy bread, buckwheat, or rice. This recipe is sure to impress your loved ones, and the plates will be licked clean to the last drop of sauce! Enjoy!
