Beef cheek ragu with pappardelle and gremolata

Serves: 4-6

This exclusive recipe comes from Sydney-based food writer, author, photographer and cook, Kate Gibbs. Try it out at home and impress your family or friends.

Ingredients

4 (about 1.2kg) Cape Grim beef cheeks, cut into 3-4cm cubes
2 tbs extra virgin olive oil, plus extra
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 stick celery, chopped
8 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
500ml red wine
500ml chicken or vegetable stock
1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes or 6 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 bay leaf
sprig fresh thyme
1 tbsp tomato paste
300g durum wheat semolina pappardelle

gremolata

1/2 bunch parsley
finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced

Method

1. For the gremolata, combine all ingredients in a small bowl, season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and set aside.
2. Bring beef cheeks to room temperature and season. Heat a casserole dish with a lid to medium high, add the oil and sear meat until golden brown all over, then transfer to a bowl. In the same pot, heat 1 teaspoon oil if needed and add onion, carrot and celery to the pot, sauté on medium heat until onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes, then add garlic. Cook 5 minutes, until softened, then return beef cheeks to pot.
3. Add wine to pot and bring to a simmer, then add stock, tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer and cook over medium heat, covered, for 2 to 2 ½ hours (stirring and checking regularly) until cheeks are completely tender. Remove lid and let simmer 20 minutes to reduce and thicken liquid, if liked.
4. Cook pappardelle according to packet instructions and divide between bowls. Top with spoonfuls of ragu and gremolata to serve.

TIP

This dish can be done in a pressure cooker or slow cooker. For slow cooker, cook as above. For pressure cooker, omit chicken stock or water from recipe and cook at medium pressure for 45 minutes, natural release. To reduce the liquid a little once the lid is removed, let simmer 20 minutes.

We hope you enjoy making and eating - this Cape Grim Beef dish. The array of recipes are updated continuously so please check the website for new additions.

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