Spanish Butcher Beef Recipe: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Meat Every Time

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Learn a unique cooking trick from a Spanish butcher that makes beef melt in your mouth like butter. This recipe combines seasoned beef with aromatic potatoes and a rich onion and cheese mixture, all baked to perfection. Paired with a fresh and creamy salad, this dish is not only flavorful but also incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

To recreate this savory delight, gather the following:

For the Beef:

  • 800-1000 g beef, cut into even steaks
  • Salt, pepper, smoked paprika
  • Vegetable oil

For the Potatoes:

  • 1.2-1.5 kg potatoes, cubed
  • Black pepper, basil, Betrushka, paprika
  • Dry garlic
  • Olive oil

Onion and Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 150 g cheese (mozzarella), shredded
  • 1 teaspoon sweet mustard
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons yogurt or sour cream

For the Salad:

  • 2 medium cucumbers, chopped
  • 1/2 cup olives, sliced
  • 1 cup canned corn
  • Bunch of spring onions and parsley, chopped
  • 3-4 boiled eggs, chopped
  • Additional mayonnaise and sour cream/yogurt for dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Beef:

  1. Tenderize: Slightly beat the beef steaks with a meat mallet.
  2. Score: Lightly score each steak on both sides.
  3. Season: Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Drizzle with vegetable oil. Cover to prevent drying.

Prepare the Potatoes:

  1. Season: Toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, basil, Betrushka, paprika, and dry garlic.
  2. Bake: Spread on a baking dish.

Onion and Cheese Mixture:

  1. Combine: Mix sliced onions with mozzarella, sweet mustard, mayonnaise, and yogurt or sour cream.

Assemble:

  1. Layer: Place the seasoned beef on top of the potatoes. Spread the onion and cheese mixture over the beef.
  2. Cover: Cover the dish with damp parchment and foil.

Bake:

  1. Preheat: Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
  2. Cook: Bake covered for about 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the beef is tender and the top is golden brown.

Prepare the Salad:

  1. Mix: Combine chopped cucumbers, olives, canned corn, spring onions, parsley, boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and sour cream or yogurt. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve:

  1. Presentation: Serve the baked beef and potatoes hot, accompanied by the fresh salad.
  2. Enjoy: An incredibly delicious dinner is ready! Bon appétit!

Nutrition Details

This flavorful beef and potatoes recipe combines several ingredients that offer nutritional benefits, making it both a satisfying and hearty meal:

  • Beef: Rich in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It also provides important minerals like iron and zinc, which help in oxygen transport and immune function, respectively.
  • Potatoes: A good source of carbohydrates, providing energy. They also contain potassium, which is important for heart health, and fiber, which aids in digestion.
  • Onions and Garlic: Both are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
  • Cheese (Mozzarella): Provides calcium for bone health, but it’s also high in fats, so it should be consumed in moderation.
  • Olive Oil: A healthy fat that is good for heart health due to its high content of monounsaturated fats.

Healthier Ingredient Substitutions

To make this dish healthier without compromising taste:

  • Leaner Cuts of Beef: Choose leaner cuts to reduce the intake of saturated fats.
  • Reduced-Fat Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat mozzarella to lower the overall fat content.
  • Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise in the dressing to decrease the amount of saturated fat and increase protein.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and hearty on its own, but here are a few ways to serve it to make a balanced meal:

  • Side Salad: Serve with a light side salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to add freshness and cut through the richness of the beef.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Accompany the meal with a side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or carrots to add color and nutrients without too many additional calories.
  • Whole Grains: Serve alongside a portion of whole-grain bread or a small serving of brown rice to add fiber and make the meal more filling.

Seasonal Adaptations

Adjust the recipe to take advantage of seasonal ingredients and flavors:

  • Spring: Incorporate spring onions and new potatoes for a lighter version of the dish.
  • Summer: Add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to the salad for a burst of summer flavor.
  • Fall/Winter: Include root vegetables like turnips or squash in the roast to add sweetness and depth to the dish.

This beef and potatoes recipe not only brings comfort and heartiness to the table but also offers a range of nutrients that make it a worthwhile addition to your meal rotation. By considering healthier substitutions and adding fresh, light sides, you can enjoy this indulgent meal in a more balanced way. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its deep flavors and satisfying texture.

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