Plavac Mali Braised Beef (Brašato od plavca malog)

Brašato od plavca malog, or Plavac Mali Braised Beef, is a traditional Croatian dish that features tender beef braised in a rich and flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

Plavac Mali Braised Beef (Brašato od plavca malog)

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup red wine (preferably Plavac Mali)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then sear them in the hot oil until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to reduce by half.
  6. Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low.
  7. Let the beef braise for 2-3 hours, or until it is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  8. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
3 hours
Total time:
3 hours
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
20g

Supplies

Dutch oven Cutting board Knife Measuring cups and spoons

Tools

Tongs Wooden spoon Chef's knife

Serving suggestions

Serve the Plavac Mali Braised Beef with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips & tricks

For even more flavor, marinate the beef in red wine and herbs for a few hours before cooking.

Cost

$25