Indulge in the Sweet and Savory Balance of Beef with Raisins.
Savor the unique harmony of flavors in Beef with Raisins, a French-inspired classic that blends tender beef, the natural sweetness of raisins, and the tangy richness of tomatoes.
This slow-cooked dish is a true comfort food, offering a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions.
The long simmering process brings out the best in every ingredient, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with sides like creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty artisan bread.
Easy to prepare and deeply comforting, this dish will add a touch of French culinary tradition to your table, leaving your guests delighted and craving more.
Main Ingredients:
⦁ 35 oz beef, cubed
⦁ 5.2 oz raisins
⦁ 3 tomatoes, crushed
⦁ 1 green bell pepper, diced
⦁ 2 tbsp vinegar
Seasoning and Aromatics:
⦁ 2 garlic cloves, minced
⦁ 1 onion, chopped
⦁ Salt and pepper to taste
1. Cook the Beef: Place the beef in a pot and cover with water. Add salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1½ hours until tender.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate pot, heat oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, green pepper, raisins, and vinegar. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Combine: Add the cooked beef to the sauce and stir well. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with rice, bread, or potatoes.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients:
✔ Best Beef Cut – Use chuck, short ribs, or brisket for slow cooking.
✔ Raisins Matter – Golden raisins (sultanas) give a delicate sweetness, but dark raisins add deeper caramel notes.
✔ Wine Choice – Use dry red wine (like Burgundy or Bordeaux) for richness.
✔ Broth Base – Beef broth adds depth—use homemade if possible.
✔ Aromatics – Shallots, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf bring out classic French flavors.
👩🍳 Preparation:
✔ Sear the Beef – Brown the beef in butter & oil for a rich, deep flavor.
✔ Deglaze the Pan – Use wine to scrape up caramelized bits for extra umami.
✔ Slow Simmer for Tenderness – Low & slow cooking (2-3 hours) makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth soft.
🍳 Balancing Flavors:
✔ Sweet-Savory Balance – If too sweet, add a splash of red wine vinegar or mustard.
✔ Herbs are Key – Use fresh thyme & bay leaves to enhance the dish.
✔ Thicker Sauce? – Reduce the sauce at the end or whisk in a little butter & flour.
📦 Storage:
✔ Even Better Next Day! – Flavors deepen overnight, so refrigerate for up to 3 days.
✔ Reheat Gently – Warm on low heat, adding a splash of broth or wine if needed.
🍽 Serving:
✔ Classic Pairings – Serve with buttered potatoes, polenta, or crusty French bread.
✔ Garnish It! – A sprinkle of chopped parsley or orange zest brightens the dish.