Meat

Gina’s Healthier Surf & Turf Fried Rice

Surf & Turf Healthier Fried Rice
Surf & Turf Healthier Fried Rice
Gina’s Healthier Surf & Turf Fried Rice

I had some cooked brown rice in the fridge, scallions, and one pound of frozen large pink shrimp. I thought they would make a perfect base for a fried rice. Since I was feeding a hungry crowd, I needed more protein and some veggies to complete the dish. I contemplated using chicken, but instead I got 2 New York Strips steaks to create a decadent surf & turf fried rice. I started by using olive oil to pan fry the steaks, then I switched to sesame oil for the rest of the cooking. Use a wok, a cast-iron or large heavy-bottom pan. You will cook most of the ingredients separately, then combine all of them toward the end.

Level of difficulty: Intermediate Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked brown rice 
1 tbs. olive oil
1.1/4 lbs. New York Strip steaks (2)
sesame oil as needed for stir frying
1 small red bell pepper, cut in julienne
3-4 scallions, + some for garnish
sprinkle of salt, optional for veggies
1 (16)-ounce frozen large pink shrimp
1/4 tsps. freshly grated ginger
1 tbs. lower sodium soy sauce
freshly ground pepper to taste
6 ounces of bean sprouts

Preparation:

1. Heat olive oil on medium-high heat and sear the meat on both sides until desired doneness. Mine was medium rare, so, it took about 8-10 minutes. After the first 3 minutes, keep flipping it. Cover to accelerate cooking, be sure not to overcook. Adjust level of heat as needed. Set aside.

2. In the same pan, add some sesame oil, pan fry peppers and scallions until desired tenderness. Set aside.

3. Add more sesame oil as needed, stir fry the shrimp, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.

4. Add the rice, ginger, soy sauce, black pepper, bean sprouts, veggies, steaks and shrimp to the pan. Stir fry until the rice is hot. Taste for seasoning. Adjust as needed. Do not add any more salt! I added the steak and shrimp on top for the photo styling. Garnish with scallions.

Wine pairing suggestions: Gewürztraminer, off-dry Riesling, Moscato D’Asti or a light-bodied Pinot Noir.
Please let me know if you will try this recipe. Should you have any questions, kindly let me know.

Bon Appetit!

Gina Martino Zarcadoolas
Food & Wine Blogger, Sommelier Level 2
WSET Level 2 certified.
Cookbook Author: Cuisines, Corkscrews & Cultures
Italian Wine Scholar
Website: www.foodiewinelover.com
Email: gina@foodiewinelover.com

Pasta al Forno – Baked pasta 365

Pasta al Forno

Pasta al Forno

In case you didn’t know, 365 is Whole Foods’ brand name, and some of the ingredients in this dish were purchased at that grocery store chain. I was pleased with the outcome, but you can use any brand of your choice. I did something untraditional to save time on cleaning. Usually, I recommend the sauce waits for the pasta when making spaghetti al pomodoro con basilico or any pasta dish on the stovetop. However, since this dish was going to be baked in the oven, I cooked the pasta first, drained it, then used the same pot to make the sauce. Do you get the picture? One less pot to clean! This is a spin on baked ziti! I like the way the meat and cheese nestle inside the shells. This is much faster than building a lasagna/e.

Serves 6-8
Level of difficulty – Easy to medium

Ingredients: 

3/4 lb. medium-sized pasta shells (365)

1 handful of salt for pasta water

2-3 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil + more to drizzle

1 small onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, chopped

1.40 lbs. ground beef, pasture-raised (365)

24 ounces prepared tomato sauce- plain or with basil

14 ounces chopped tomatoes

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

15 ounces ricotta cheese (365)

8 ounces organic mozzarella, low moisture part-skim, shredded (365)

1/2 cup to 3/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, (Italian Parmesan) grated

Preparation:

1. In a large pot, bring pasta water to a boil. Add salt. Cook for about 10 minutes or al dente (it will continue to cook in the oven). Drain, and save some pasta water. Pour the pasta in a medium-sized metal baking pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Cover with foil. Set aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. In the same pot, on medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic for 1 – 2 minutes. Add the meat, and cook for 6-10 minutes until browned. Add the tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes, salt and pepper, and reserved pasta water. Stir well. Bring to a boil. Lower the flame. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Time to assemble. Use a ladle to spread the meat sauce over the pasta. Add ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmigiano cheese. Stir well. Bake in the oven covered with foil for about 30 minutes. Remove foil, drizzle with olive oil, and voila! Serve it with a salad.

Wine pairing suggestions: A Sangiovese Rosso, Chianti, or Lambrusco di Sorbara.

Lambrusco is a sparkling wine from the region of Emilia Romagna. The styles vary from sweet to dry, showing bright red fruit with lively acidity. For this reason, Lambrusco pairs well with tomato-based dishes and pizza. I visited Parma a few years ago and enjoyed Lambrusco for the first time. I paired it with pasta in a traditional Bolognese sauce and  “Culatello di Zibello”, a prized cured meat with a Protected Designation of Origin. They are both classic pairings in this Northern Italian region.

I promise you your guests will be satisfied with this soul-warming meal! I would appreciate it if you would direct them to my website. Until then, happy cooking and sipping!

PS. If you don’t consume alcohol, I recommend an Italian sparkling water to elevate the experience.

Buon Appetito!

Gina Martino Zarcadoolas, aka Foodiewinelover
Culinary Personality, Food & Wine Blogger
Author of the cookbook: Cuisines, Corkscrews & Cultures
Level-2 Certified world-renowned – “WSET: Wine, Spirit, Education, Trust”
Level-2 Certified Sommelier & Italian Wine Scholar Scholar
Winner of 2019 Italian Wines “Salice Salentino USA Bloggers” Award, held in Puglia, Italy
Brand Strategist

Lambrusco di Sorbara

Braised Short Ribs in Tomato Sauce

Braised Short Ribs in Tomato sauce

Braised Short Ribs in Tomato sauce

Braised Short Ribs in Tomato sauce

Braised Short Ribs in Tomato Sauce

Braised Short Ribs in Tomato Sauce

It’s been raining here, and I needed some comfort food to cheer me up. I made braised short ribs simmered in a tomato sauce and paired them with a Nero d’Avola. It is the flagship grape of Sicily. Mille e Una Notte translates to A Thousand and One Night and comprises predominantly of Nero d’Avola. This wine boasts violet hues and shows great concentration. The nose delivers aromas of dark fruits, blackberry, plum, savory and sweet spices, and a hint of earthiness. The mouthfeel is silky and mirrors the nose with additional flavors of dark chocolate, baking spices, hints of black pepper, nutmeg, and licorice. The finish is lingering, and this wine has the potential for long cellaring. Below is the recipe for the short ribs.

Braised Short Ribs in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

6 short ribs (about 3 lbs.)
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
olive oil for frying
5-6 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 (32) oz prepared plain tomato sauce
1/4 cup water
1 (26.46) Pomi strained tomatoes
Flat leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
1 lb. spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
1 handful of salt for the pasta water
Parmigiano Reggiano

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350-degree Fahrenheit.

1. In the meantime, liberally season the short ribs with salt & pepper. In a Deutch oven on medium-high heat, heat 2-3 tbs. olive oil, sear 3 short ribs for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove. Sear the second batch. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add more oil if needed, sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, and deglaze with the wine for 1-2-minutes. Add in the tomatoes, water, parsley, and ribs. Bring to a gentle boil and turn off the burner. Cover.
3. Place the pan in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the meat is tender.
4. While the short ribs are cooking, bring the pasta water to a boil, and add a handful of salt. Cook according to package directions or al dente.
5. Serve with grated Parmigiano Reggiano or local Parmesan cheese.

Cook’s Note regarding Italian traditions: if you want to eat like the Italians, serve the pasta first, followed by the short ribs. Here in the US, we tend to serve them on the same plate.

While the wine and the dish were delicious on their own, a brown sauce would have made a better pairing with this outstanding wine. The acidity in the tomato sauce overpowered the wine and mellowed its flavors. Either way, the food and the wine were both super stars, but they didn’t get long together.

I hope you will give this recipe a try! I recommend this wine for a special occasion and stick with a Sangiovese-based red wine for an ideal pairing.

Happy Cooking & Sipping from Gina’s Kitchen!
Gina Martino Zarcadoolas, aka Foodiewinelover
Culinary Personality, Food & Wine Blogger
Author of the cookbook: Cuisines, Corkscrews & Cultures
Level-2 Certified world-renowned – “WSET: Wine, Spirit, Education, Trust”
Level-2 Certified Sommelier & Italian Wine Scholar Student (Unit 1 completed)
Winner of 2019 Italian Wines “Salice Salentino USA Bloggers” Award, held in Puglia, Italy
Brand Strategist

Etna Rosso & Veal Bolognese

Etna Rosso with Veal Bolognese

Etna Rosso with Veal Bolognese

Etna Rosso with Veal Bolognese

 

Are you familiar with Etna Rosso? This wine is from Sicily and offers fantastic value.

Etna Rosso is a volcanic wine rich in minerals produced with at least 80% Nerello Mascalese and up to 20% Nerello Cappuccio.

Nerello Mascalese is a noble red grape that thrives on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily with nuances of red berries, cranberry, aromatic spices, woodsy herbs, thyme, dried flowers, and mineral characteristics.

Nerello Cappuccio is usually used in a blend and rarely as a varietal because of its lack of tannins. This grape variety adds elegance with flavors of red cherries and softens the grippy tannins in Nerello Mascalese. It makes for a perfect blending partner!

2017 Gambinowinery Gambino Vini Tifeo Etna Rosso appears itself in a translucent ruby red reminiscent of an elegant Oregon Pinot Noir with delicate aromas and flavors of cherry and raspberry, tobacco leaves, forest floor, leather, and cocoa. The tannins are silky and showcase a high level of acidity leading to a long finish with a sultry mineral freshness.

Food pairing:

Mouth-watering Veal Bolognese over Pappardelle. This dish is made using wholesome ingredients and is a shorter version than the original long-simmered sauce. The recipe is on page 82 of my cookbook. It makes a dazzling pairing because the level of acidity in the tomato sauce and that of the wine interweave harmoniously, Bam!

Happy Cooking & Sipping!
Gina Martino Zarcadoolas, aka Foodiewinelover
Culinary Personality, Food & Wine Blogger
Author of the cookbook: Cuisines, Corkscrews & Cultures: https://foodiewinelover.wordpress.com/product/cookbook/
Level-2 Certified world-renowned – “WSET: Wine, Spirit, Education, Trust”
Level-2 Certified Sommelier & Italian Wine Scholar Student (Prep course completed)
Winner of 2019 Italian Wines “Salice Salentino USA Bloggers” Award, held in Puglia, Italy
Brand Strategist

Gina’s Variation of Spaghetti & Meatballs

Spaghetti & Meatballs

Pasta is better inhaled like a vacuum cleaner. It’s so much fun!

Spaghetti & Meatballs

Spaghetti & Meatballs

 

Spaghetti & Meatballs is a comforting Italian-American dish. It is not a traditional Italian dish because the Italians prefer to eat their pasta alone without the meatballs. Meatballs are known as “polpette” in Italian, and they are consumed as a tasty second course (secondo). I have many different versions of tomato sauce, and sometimes, I use Italian sausage for added richness. Today, I am sharing with you a simplified sauce that is rustic and is a crowd-pleaser. For a smoother sauce, simply pure’ the San Marzano tomatoes. This blog post is not sponsored, but I am using the brands that I like. There are times when I combine ground beef and pork, and in that instance, I don’t use the sausage. Alternatively, you can use ground turkey for a healthier version. I use seasoned breadcrumbs instead of the traditional slice of bread soaked in milk. Generally, I don’t use grated cheese, except in my Veal Meatballs with Pecorino. Put your apron on, and follow me in the kitchen. Don’t forget your glass of wine or cider! This recipe is crafted for 6-8 people depending on their appetite. You can easily divide the ingredients to feed fewer people.

 

Spaghetti & Meatballs

Spaghetti & Meatballs

 

Ingredients for the meatballs

1 ½ lbs. ground sirloin
1 ½ lbs. ground chuck
3-4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon oregano
 ½ small onion, grated
1½ teaspoons sea salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 large eggs
½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs, Progresso brand
1 handful of flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish

Preparation:

Mix well all the ingredients by hand (I use a glove because I have long nails) and form the meatballs using an ice cream scooper with a spring. Spray a large tray and place the meatballs on there. Bake them for 10-12 minutes in a 350-degree oven, turning them once. You can also pan-fry them in olive oil for tastier meatballs but this process is less convenient. Set aside.

Ingredients for the Tomato Sauce: 

2-3 tablespoons olive oil
2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1 (26.46 ounces) container of Pomi -strained tomato
1 (26.46 ounces) container of Pomi – finely chopped tomatoes
1 (28 oz.) Flora’s San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pound of spaghetti
Grated Parmigiano Reggiano to taste (a lot)

Preparation:

In a large stock pot, on medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the garlic quickly, and add the tomato paste. Stir constantly until it’s caramelized. Add the strained, chopped, and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a gently boil, stir occasionally. Add the meatballs. Lower the flame. Cover with lid tilted. Stir occasionally to avoid the sauce from sticking on the bottom. Allow 1½ to 2 hours until all the flavors marry beautifully. Toward the last 15 minutes, bring your pasta water to a boil. Add a handful of salt, and cook according to package directions. I like mine al dente so cook it for at least 1 or 2 minutes less. The best way to find out how you like it is to taste the pasta before draining it.

Mix the pasta with the sauce until every strand is coated. Serve with grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Garnish with parsley

Wine pairing suggestion:  Sangiovese-based wines such a Rosso Di Montalcino or Chianti Classico will work harmoniously with the acidity in the tomatoes.

Happy Cooking & Happy Sipping from Gina’s Kitchen!

Gina Martino Zarcadoolas, aka Foodiewinelover
Culinary Personality, Food & Wine Blogger
Author of the cookbook: Cuisines, Corkscrews & Cultures: https://foodiewinelover.wordpress.com/product/cookbook/
Level-2 Certified world-renowned – “WSET: Wine, Spirit, Education, Trust”
Level-2 Certified Sommelier & Italian Wine Scholar Student (Prep course completed)
Winner of 2019 Italian Wines “Salice Salentino USA Bloggers” Award, held in Puglia, Italy
Brand Strategist

Tiffany’s Three Moons Wines

Three Moons Winery

Filet Mignon & Tree Moons Winery

Filet Mignon & Three Moons Winery Estate Reserve 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Filet Mignon

 

While a top notch wine can easily stand on its own “legs”, it can also make a magical  pairing with a luxurious meal.

Today, I present you with the Three Moons Winery Estate Reserve 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from the acclaimed Howell Mountain located in Napa Valley. Tiffany Moon is the name behind the label. She is a medical doctor and a cast member on the famous show “Real House Housewives of Dallas”.
In 2009, during her residency, Tiffany and her now-husband, Daniel, would travel to Napa to visit wineries. They were invited by a local winemaker to partake in harvesting grapes, learning about the aging and the bottling process of the wines. This experience led them to make their own barrel of a big bold red Cabernet Sauvignon in 2009. They would share the wine with family and friends. Daniel named the wine Three Moons to honor his father who founded Sam Moon stores, and his brother. Tiffany jokes that her three moons represent her and her twin girls. The Moons recently launched their private label that includes this Cabernet Sauvignon, a red blend and a Sauvignon Blanc. They turned their passion to a brand!
This Cabernet Sauvignon is not your typical weeknight wine. It’s one that you splurge on special occasions or purchase to add to your wine collection. I enjoyed this wine with my Waterford Crystal glass to elevate the experience. Every sip of this wine was seductive and boasted aromas and flavors of juicy black cherries, blackberries, crème de cassis, with a nuance of spices and freshly ground black pepper, offering a dust of dark cocoa on the mid palate. It had just the right amount of tannin with a polished astringency and not at all aggressive, well-structured, bold with remarkable fruitiness. The finish was majestically grand.
I paired it with Filet Mignon cooked medium-rare with a homemade Béarnaise sauce. (not easy😅) The richness of the wine and that of the meat created a gourmet-esque combination of flavors on my palate. This wine can be found on Three Moons Wine website.

Filet Mignon & Tree Moons Winery Estate Reserve 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Filet Mignon & Tree Moons Winery Estate Reserve 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Hope you enjoyed this food & wine pairing edition.

Happy Cooking and Sipping from Gina’s Kitchen!

Gina Martino Zarcadoolas, aka Foodiewinelover
Culinary Personality, Food & Wine Blogger
Author of the cookbook: Cuisines, Corkscrews & Cultures
Level-2 Certified world-renowned – “WSET: Wine, Spirit, Education, Trust”
Level-2 Certified Sommelier
Winner of 2019 “Salice Salentino USA Bloggers” Award
Brand Strategist

Mongolian-Style Beef to Entice the Palate

Mise-en-place for Mongolian Beef

Mise-en-place for Mongolian Beef

Mongolian-Style Beef

Mongolian-Style Beef

After vacationing in Italy for 2 weeks, it didn’t take me long to get back in “Gina’s Kitchen”. Mongolian beef is a Chinese American dish that is quick and delicious on any weeknights. Typically, I would serve it with Jasmine rice, but today, I am using sweet potatoes as a side for a healthier option. Flank steak is a lean meat and is an excellent choice for this dish.

Serves: 3-4 – Level of difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1.1/2 lbs. flank steaks, cut in strips
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4-6 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil, divided
• 1 green pepper, cut in julienne
• 1 long hot pepper, seeded and chopped, optional
• 3-4 scallions, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• Fresh ginger cut into matchsticks (1/4 cup)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon Hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Preparation:

1. Make sure the meat is at room temperature to ensure even cooking. Season with salt and pepper. In a medium-sized bowl, add the corn starch and drench the steaks. Shake them one by one to remove any excess.
2. In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or a wok, heat 2 tablespoons oil, place half the steaks in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes (in total) on medium-high heat, the meat should sizzle. Turn it halfway through using a set of silicone thongs. Remove the cooked meat and set aside on a dish. Add 2 tablespoons oil and cook the remaining steaks. Remove and combine it with the first batch.
3. In the same skillet, on medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil, stir fry together green pepper, hot pepper, scallions, garlic, ginger for about 1-2 minutes. Add water, Hoisin, Soy, Worcestershire sauces, and the cooked meat. Give it a couple good stirs with a wooden spoon. The sauce will thicken and stick nicely to the steaks. Voila! It’s ready to be served. Your family will ask for seconds and request that you make this meal again.

Wine pairing suggestions: Sauvignon Blanc, off-dry Riesling, or a Grenache.

Gina’s notes: If you plan to make rice as an accompaniment, start preparing it first, this way it will cook while you are preparing the meat. To ensure the meat is more tender, always cut it against the grain.

Happy Cooking from Gina’s Kitchen to Yours,

Gina Martino Zarcadoolas, aka Foodiewinelover
Culinary Personality, Food & Wine Blogger
Author of the cookbook: Cuisines, Corkscrews & Cultures
Level-2 Certified world-renowned – “WSET: Wine, Spirit, Education, Trust”
Level-2 Certified Sommelier
Winner of 2019 “Salice Salentino USA Bloggers” Award

Balsamic-Glazed Flank Steak with Orange Gremolata

Balsamic-Glazed Flank Steak with Orange Gremolata

photo (44)

 

Gremolata

Gremolata

FoodieWineLoverDecember2014 049

Mise en place for Flank Steak

 

For all meat lovers, this Balsamic-Glazed Flank Steak with Orange Gremolata is a delicious dish to add to your repertoire. It’s easy and makes for a beautiful presentation. Put on your apron, and lets get cooking!

Serves: 4 – 6     Degree of difficulty: Easy

Ingredients for the Steak

  • 1.5 – 2 lbs. flank steak
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
    Season the entire steak with salt and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes. (Keep your house cool)

In the meanwhile, prepare the Gremolata and the glaze.

Ingredients for Gremolata

  • 1/2 cup flat-leave parsley, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp. orange zest
    Mixed together and set aside.

Ingredients for glaze

  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 1 TBSP. olive oil

Preparation:

1) Heat olive oil and saute’ the shallot until it’s not longer translucent. Add the balsamic vinegar, bring to a boil and reduce on very low heat for about 10 minutes. Set aside.

2) Grill the steak on high heat for about 4- 5 minutes on each side, depending on your desired doneness. I cooked it for 10 minutes which resulted in a medium, medium rare temperature. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to retain its juices. Slice it diagonally against the grain. Place it on a rectangle serving dish for a delightful presentation. Drizzle the glaze on top, and sprinkle the Gremolata all over the steak. Voila! A wonderful and refreshing way to dress up the meat to the nines. Serve it with a side dish of your choice.

Wine pairing suggestions: Syrah or Shyraz from Australia

Bon Appetit from Gina over at Foodiewinelover
My Food, Wine & Travel Lifestyles
Photos by Gina Martino Zarcadoolas for Foodiewinelover (Canon Rebel T3)
Culinary Aficionado
WSET-Level 2 Wine Connoisseur

 

 

Gina’s Exquisite Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash

Meat for Hungarian Goulash

Meat for Hungarian Goulash

Seared meat for Hungarian Goulash

Seared meat for Hungarian Goulash

Preparing Hungarian Goulash

Preparing Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash

 

I must admit, it’s been a long while since I made Hungarian Goulash. I know it has 2 main ingredients: beef and paprika. I searched the internet and came across a multitude of recipes. I was inspired and decided to make one with my spin on it. I am not claiming it’s the most traditional, but I think it’s very close to it. I noticed some recipes called for some veggies, but I wanted the meat to be the main focus without any distractions. So, follow me in the kitchen for my own version of Hungarian Goulash. I usually cook for a crowd and always have leftovers. This recipe can easily be divided in half. This dish starts out on the stove and continues to cook in the oven.  You will need a Dutch Oven or a large pan with a lid that can withstand the heat in the oven.

Serves: 10 -12  Level of difficulty:  Medium –  prep time: about 1 hour including searing the meat. Cooking time: 1.5 hours – Allow a minimum of 2.5 hours from start to finish. This recipe can be done in a slow cooker. I recommend you research this method of cooking on Google.

Ingredients:

  • 5 lbs. beef for stew, cut-up in cubes
  • 6 tbsp. flour for drenching
  • 1 tbsp. sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp. + 2 tbsp. Hungarian Paprika
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil + 3 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp. tomato paste
  • 1 container of chopped tomatoes, 26.46 Pomi brand*
  • 32 oz. 50% reduced-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 4 bay leaves
  • Sour cream 1/3 less fat for garnish
  • Flat leave parsley for garnish
  • 1.5 lb. egg noodles

    Preparation:1) Pre-heat oven to 350 degree F.2) In a large plastic or stainless-steel bowl, season the meat with sea salt, 1 tsp. paprika, and pepper to taste. Mix well. Add the flour, mix until all the meat is coated. Shake off the excess.
    3) in a Dutch oven on medium-high heat, heat up 3 tbsp. olive oil and 3 tbsp. vegetable oil. Start searing the meat. Make sure you hear that sizzling sound. Do this in batches, three minutes on one side, and two minutes on the other side. Remove, and repeat the process. Set aside in a large clean bowl.
    4) In the same pan, using the same oil, add the onions, saute’ for 2 minutes, add the garlic, 1 minute,  tomato paste, and stir well until it’s caramelized. Deglaze with the beef broth while stirring. Add chopped tomatoes, 2 tbsp. paprika, meat and bay leaves. Bring it to a full boil and the turn the stove off. Cover and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for at least 1.5 or until the meat is fork-tender. While the meat is the oven, cook your egg noodles, as per package directions.
    5) Serve the Goulash over egg noodles, garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream.

    Cook’s note: Shake off the excess of flour to avoid a dirty pan.
    At the halfway point, check the meat, give it a good stir.

    This is one of the most soul-warming dishes on a cold winter day. Enjoy!

    Bon Appetit from My Kitchen to Yours!

    Gina Martino Zarcadoolas – Foodiewinelover
    My Food, Wine & Travel Lifestyles
    Culinary Aficionado and WSET-Level 2 certified wine connoisseur

     

Short Ribs Braised in Red Wine over Polenta

Beef Short Ribs

Beef Short Ribs

Beef Short Ribs braised in Red Wine

Beef Short Ribs braised in Red Wine

Beef Short Ribs braised in Red Wine over Polenta

Beef Short Ribs braised in Red Wine over Polenta

Enjoying some short ribs

Enjoying some short ribs

Beef Short Ribs braised in Red Wine over Polenta Beef Short Ribs braised in Red Wine over Polenta

After a long absence, I needed to get back in the kitchen and prepare some home cooked meals.  My son PJ suggested that I make Gordon Ramsey’s short ribs. It was a collaborative effort with him and the result was a Grand Slam. Of course, he thought he was Gordon Ramsey and acted like him, but, I had to take control in Gina’s Kitchen. Let’s just say, we were each other’s sous chef! I was feeding 6 hungry people and I came up with the following measurements.  This recipe can easily be divided in half for a smaller crowd.

Serves: 6-8  Level of difficulty: Easy-Medium

Time: Allow a minimum of 3 hours from start to finish

Ingredients:

  • 8 lbs. beef short ribs
  • Olive oil as needed for searing the ribs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 5 oz. of tomato paste
  • 2 heads of garlic, cut in halves (unpeeled)
  • 1 bottle of red wine, Chianti, Pinot Noir or Cabernet
  • 28 oz. of beef broth low-sodium
  • Italian parsley for garnish, optionalSide dish:

    1 cup Polenta for 4 cups of water, salt to taste

    Mushrooms topping: 

  • 8 oz baby Portobello mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tbsp. salted butter
  • 1 tbsp.  olive oil

    Preparation:
    1) Season the ribs liberally with salt and pepper on both sides. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. ( I keep my house on 75 degrees F.)2)  Pre-heat the oven at 350 degrees F.
    3) In a very large and deep pan, over medium-high heat on the stove top, pour about 1/4 cup of olive oil. Sear the meat on both sides for about 3-4 minutes each side. Rotate the meat in the middle of the pan where the heat is, using a set of tongues.

    4) Place the garlic face-down randomly. Add  tomato paste and stir it in all over the bottom of the pan. Cook until it obtains a rust color. Deglaze with the wine. Cook until it reduces 3-4 minutes.

    5) Add the beef broth, and control the sodium if necessary. Bring to a quick boil. Turn stove top off.  Cover with aluminum foil and place in the oven for 2.5 hours. Just forget about it, figuratively speaking.  (please do not leave oven unattended)

    6)  In a small frying pan, over medium-high heat, melt the butter and the oil, and pan fry the mushrooms until they are golden brown. Set aside.

    7) Prepare the polenta 20 minutes before the ribs are done. If you do it too soon, it will clump up.  Follow cooking  instructions on package.  Keep on the lowest heat until you’re ready to serve.

    8) Remove the ribs out of the oven and place them in a large platter. Take all the garlic out.  Pass them through a sieve and put the garlic paste in the sauce.  Stir well. Now it’s time to serve. Either buffet style or  you can plate it, by placing some polenta on the bottom of a platter, put the ribs on top and garnish with the mushrooms and parsley.
    Wine pairing suggestions: A bold Cab, Chianti or any red wine of your choice.It’s good to be back in the kitchen after a long absence.This blogpost is in Memory of My Beloved Dad, John.  I will always remember him in the kitchen as my potato peeler, my pot scrubber and my right hand daddy’s little girl. I will miss savoring delicious pasta dishes with him, but his legacy will live in my heart forever.

    RIP DAD- 1936-2016

    Disclosure:

    This dish is an adaptation of Gordon Ramsey’s recipe on YouTube. These measurements are mine based on 8 lbs. of ribs.
    Photographed by Gina Martino Zarcadoolas for Foodiewinelover

    Happy Braising!
    Gina Martino Zarcadoolas
    My Food, Wine & Travel Lifestyles

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