A friend casually hinted at me recreating a tapas dish she fell in love with at a restaurant located too many states away to justify a monthly visit. I eagerly and quietly agreed, though I knew nothing about the dish other than the name.
My version adds a hint of sweetness to a heavy braised beef and pork combo, mixing beef and pork in this recipe helps vary the flavor profile. It is quite important to sear the meat first for a deeper flavor. This recipe offers versatility to serve as a tapas dish between crispy spring rolls or to serve as a main entree over polenta (both options explained below).
Did I succeed in recreating this dish? In my book I did; turns out we ate it all before my friend even knew it was made-oops; guess I better do it again. It’ll be a fat and happy remake!
Rhubarb braised beef and pork
Sear
1/2 lb beef (leave whole, do not cut into chucks)
1/4 lb pork (leave whole, do not cut into chucks)
1/2 cup chopped white onions
1/2 cup chopped red onions
Add to the pan:
1/2 lb chopped rhubarb
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tbsp. ground ginger
2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. dried sage
1 cup orange juice
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Cover with beef broth (If you use water, add a bouillon cube).
Cover and cook in the over for about 2 hours, add another 1/2 lb of chopped rhubarb. If the pot is dry, add 2 cups of broth or water. Cover and cook for another 2 hours or until meat falls apart.
Using two forks pull the meat apart, leaving some larger hunks together.
To serve on a crispy spring roll:
Toast the spring roll/egg roll wrap – take one spring roll wrap, cut into 4 squares and toast in a dry fry pan over medium heat until crispy, flipping sides as they brown.
Place one square in the middle of the plate, add a scoop of the braised rhubarb beef and top with a second toasted square. Dress the plate with the zippy rhubarb sauce.
To serve on creamy polenta:
1/2 cup polenta (cornmeal)
4 cups water or broth
1/2 cup of creamy goat cheese
Salt and fresh black pepper
Begin the polenta during the last hour while the meat is braising.
Start with 1 cup of cold water in a sauce pan. Slowly pour the cornmeal into the water while whisking vigorously. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, for about an hour. Add in more water as the polenta soaks up the previous. When the polenta is tender with no grit left, remove from heat and whisk in the cheese and lots of fresh black pepper. Add salt if needed, however the cheese may salt the dish enough on it’s own.
Place a dollop of polenta in the middle of a bowl, use a pair of tongs to place the meat on top of the polenta. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a drizzle of the Rhubarb sauce (recipe below)
Zippy Rhubarb Sauce
1/2 lb chopped rhubarb
1/2 cup sugar
6 cloves
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. ginger
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Place all the ingredients in a sauce pan and simmer over medium low heat for about 15 minutes or until the rhubarb is soft. Place the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain and set aside until ready to use.
Tips and Techniques: Braising is made for tough cuts of meat rendering the meat to become ‘fall off the bone’ tender by simmering in juices for hours. It’s a great way to save money because it allows you to use cheaper cuts of meat (pot roasts, rumps, shoulders, etc.). Do use the guy behind the meat counter – they are there to help you!
Find more great recipes on Monique’a Blog at http://fatandhappyblog.blogspot.com/