Cooking dinner every night can mean that our inspiration is running pretty dry by Sunday. It’s the end of the week and whilst we have the time to cook, the ideas just aren’t coming. Most of us get into the routine of cooking the same five or six meals a week, in rotation, without fail. Add some interest and excitement back to meal times and experiment with some new ways of cooking an old favorite. Beef is such a versatile meat and can be cooked in so many different ways. Get some inspiration below!
Goulash
Goulash is basically a Hungarian take on stew, or soup. It’s a warming combination of meltingly soft beef, spices, and vegetables. This hearty stew was traditionally eaten by Hungarian shepherds, and the name originates from the Hungarian for ‘herd of cattle.’ Shank, shin, or shoulder are the best cuts to use. These cuts lends themselves well to long and slow cooking. Onion, paprika, and stock are all added to browned beef. There are so many different variations on the dish that the choice of vegetables really is down to you. Adding different stocks, and even a dollop of sour cream are all variations on the dish. One thing everyone can agree on is that it should have a generous amount of good-quality paprika.
Tagine
A Tagine is a Moroccan dish. It is traditionally cooked in conical shaped pot over hot charcoal coals. It takes a very long time to cook and is best started early on and left to cook for as long as possible. Where it differs to other stews is its use of fruit. Prunes, plums, and even apricots, can be added to vegetables and beef. Rather than potatoes or rice, tagine is served with couscous. Make sure you have the traditional pots used to cook tagine, I promise you’ll be able to taste the difference!
Steak
For a more refined take on beef try a steak. The key to a great steak is leaving it as simple as possible. Too often steak is overcomplicated and the flavor is lost. Season your steak well and cook it quickly in a frying pan. If you want to you can accompany your steak with a variety of sauces, including peppercorn. Make sure you have some good quality steak knives to make cutting through your steak easier. I was lucky enough to come across some great steak knife guides online that make choosing a new set easy. To get some char on your steak cook it on a griddle pan. This will impart a great smoky flavor and will also look great.
Slow Cooked
Slow cooking beef is a really great way to break it down so it’s not too chewy. A slow cooker is also a really useful kitchen appliance to have, and it makes a great gift. Set your slow cooker on and you can get on with other jobs, or go out for the day. Safe in the knowledge that perfectly cooked beef awaits you when you return!
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