No. 73. Stufato Alla Florentina (stewed Beef) Recipe

The Cook's Decameron: A Study In Taste For Italian Dishes

Stufato Alla Florentina, also known as stewed beef, is a traditional Italian dish with roots in the beautiful city of Florence. This hearty and flavorful dish has stood the test of time and has become a beloved staple in Italian cuisine. Let's dive into the history of this recipe, discover some fun facts, and explore similar dishes.

Historical Background:
Stufato Alla Florentina has been enjoyed by Italians for generations. The dish originated in Florence, a city known for its rich culinary traditions. Florence, a city in Tuscany, has long been celebrated for its mastery of simple, yet delicious flavors. Stufato Alla Florentina showcases the essence of Tuscany, with its tender meat, aromatic herbs, and savory tomatoes.

Fun Facts:
- The name "Stufato Alla Florentina" translates to "Stewed Florentine-style."
- This dish was traditionally made with beef, mutton, or veal, giving cooks the flexibility to use their preferred meat.
- The addition of rosemary adds a distinct Tuscan flavor to the dish, as this herb grows abundantly in the region.
- Burgundy wine is used to enhance the flavors of the meat, offering a robust and complex taste.
- Tomato conserve or fresh tomatoes in puree form are used to provide a tangy and vibrant element to the stew.

Now, let's dive into the preparation of Stufato Alla Florentina:

Ingredients:
- Beef, mutton, or veal
- Onions
- Rosemary leaves
- Burgundy wine
- Tomatoes (conserved or fresh in puree form)
- Stock
- Potatoes
- Butter
- Garlic

Instructions:
1. Begin by cutting up an onion and three leaves of rosemary.
2. In a stewpan, fry the onion and rosemary slightly in an ounce of butter until they become fragrant.
3. Cut the chosen meat (beef, mutton, or veal) into fair-sized pieces and add them to the stewpan.
4. Salt the meat and fry it until it is lightly browned.
5. Pour half a glass of Burgundy wine over the meat to infuse it with its rich flavors.
6. Add two tablespoons of tomato conserve or fresh tomatoes in puree form to the stewpan.
7. Cover the stewpan and cook the ingredients gently, stirring occasionally.
8. If the stew becomes too dry, add some stock to maintain the desired consistency.
9. Optional: If you wish to include potatoes in your stew, cut them up into pieces and add them to the pot an hour before serving. Cook them along with the meat to ensure they become tender and infused with flavors.
10. For an extra burst of garlic aroma, you can add a clove of garlic with one cut for the last five minutes of cooking.

Once your Stufato Alla Florentina is ready, it is time to enjoy this comforting and nourishing dish with your friends and family. Serve it with crusty bread or polenta for a complete meal that will transport you to the scenic and vibrant streets of Florence.

Similar Dishes:
Stufato Alla Florentina belongs to a family of popular European stew dishes that showcase various regional flavors. Some similar recipes include:

1. Boeuf Bourguignon: This iconic French dish also involves beef stewed in red wine, along with onions, mushrooms, and bacon.

2. Irish Guinness Stew: An Irish twist on stew, made with beef, Guinness stout beer, root vegetables, and herbs.

3. Hungarian Goulash: A traditional Hungarian stew with tender beef, paprika, and a variety of vegetables, served with Hungarian noodles or dumplings.

Each of these dishes has its own unique characteristics, but they all share the comforting and satisfying nature of a well-prepared stew.

So, whether you choose to savor Stufato Alla Florentina or explore other stew dishes from around the world, these heartwarming meals are sure to bring people together and create lasting memories. Enjoy!