Beef A La Mode. Alice Turney Thompson. Recipe
Beef À La Mode Recipe:
History and Fun Facts:
Beef À La Mode is a classic dish that originated in France, known as "Bœuf À La Mode," which translates to "beef in the fashion." It was traditionally prepared by slow-cooking a cut of beef in a rich, flavorful sauce. Over time, variations of the recipe emerged in different regions, each adding their unique twist. One such variation is the American-style Beef À La Mode, which incorporates bread stuffing and is baked to perfection. This recipe was popularized by Alice Turney Thompson, who included it in her cookbook in the 19th century.
Nowadays, Beef À La Mode is a beloved dish and is often served as a hearty main course for special occasions and family gatherings. The slow cooking process ensures the meat is tender and infused with the delicious flavors of the stuffing and sauce. It can also be enjoyed cold as a delicacy for suppers and luncheons, making it a versatile dish.
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs (2.3 kg) round of beef, approximately four or five inches thick
- 1 lb (450 g) white bread, soaked in cold water until soft
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup (60 g) butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) ground cloves
- 1/2 nutmeg, grated
- 1 tbsp (8 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 lb (113 g) fresh pork, finely chopped
- Water, as needed
- Additional flour, if needed, for thickening gravy
- Additional butter, if needed, for gravy
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, squeeze out excess water from the soaked white bread, then mash it until fine.
3. Add the softened butter, salt, pepper, ground cloves, grated nutmeg, beaten egg, egg yolk, flour, and finely chopped fresh pork to the mashed bread. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
4. Gash the round of beef on both sides, creating deep slits to hold the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
5. Stuff half of the prepared dressing into the gashes on the beef, ensuring it evenly fills the slits.
6. Place the stuffed beef in a baking pan and add enough lukewarm water to cover it partially, but not completely.
7. Cover the baking pan with a lid or foil, and then place it in the preheated oven to bake gently for two hours.
8. After two hours, remove the pan from the oven and uncover it. Spoon the remaining dressing over the top of the beef.
9. Return the uncovered pan to the oven and continue baking for an additional hour, allowing the top to brown well.
10. Once fully cooked, carefully transfer the beef to a serving platter.
11. If the gravy is not thick enough, dissolve a little flour in water and slowly add it to the pan juices while stirring. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Adjust the consistency by adding more flour-water mixture or water, if needed.
12. Add a knob of butter to the gravy and stir until it melts in, enhancing the richness and flavor.
13. Slice the beef into thick slices and serve with the thickened gravy.
14. Beef À La Mode can also be enjoyed cold for suppers and luncheons. Simply remove the gravy before serving it chilled.
Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoy Beef À La Mode, here are some similar dishes you might enjoy:
1. Beef Bourguignon: A classic French beef stew cooked in red wine, typically made with carrots, onions, and mushrooms.
2. Pot Roast: A slow-cooked beef roast, often with vegetables and a flavorful broth, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
3. Beef Stroganoff: A Russian-inspired dish featuring sautéed beef strips in a creamy mushroom sauce, often served over noodles or rice.
4. Beef Wellington: A decadent British dish that encases a tender beef fillet in puff pastry, often served with a rich mushroom duxelles.
5. Roast Beef: A simple and traditional dish made by roasting a whole piece of beef, often served with gravy and accented with various herbs and spices.
Choose one of these recipes, and you're sure to enjoy a delicious meal packed with rich flavors and tender beef.
Vote