Step 1: If using chuck roast, cut into 2" cubes. Cutting against the grain of the beef makes for more tender pieces. Pat beef dry, season with salt and pepper. Set aside for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Step 2: In a Dutch oven or cast iron enameled pot with a lid render lardons over a medium low heat until they are browned and crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove lardons with a slotted spoon to paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the fat in the pot. Step 3: Heat oven to 325 degrees. Raise the heat under the pot to a medium-high. When the fat begins to smoke, lay in the beef cubes in a single layer. Brown on all sides, then transfer to a plate. Step 4: Add carrots and onion to the pot, stir to coat with fat, and then sprinkle remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Cook until lightly browned, for about 10 minutes. Step 5: Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the flour. Add the wine, scrape up brown bits from the bottom. Add the beef stock, bay leaf and thyme. Add the browned beef and half of the lardons back to the pot, cover and place in the oven. Cook for 3 to 3 ½ hours, stirring occasionally. Step 6: Prepare onions and mushrooms while beef is cooking. Heat butter and oil in saute pan over medium-high. When foam begins to subside, add the onions. Saute, rolling them around, until they are slightly browned. Add salt and pepper to taste. Step 7: Tie the parsley, thyme sprigs and the bay leaves into a bundle. Add beef stock and herb bundle to the saute pan. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from heat, remove bundle and set onions aside, keeping liquid. |
Ingredients:
Step 8: Heat oil and butter in a skillet over high heat. When foam begins to subside add the mushrooms. Shake the mushrooms around until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Step 9: When beef is tender, place on a low heat on the stove top. Add the remaining lardons, mushrooms and onions with their liquid. Stir and blend together for about 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley leaves. |