Dalmatinska Pašticada s Njokima
A rich and flavorful slow-cooked beef stew, marinated overnight and braised for hours with prunes, figs, and prošek (a sweet dessert wine). Traditionally served with homemade gnocchi.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Beef (top round or similar cut)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 5 whole Cloves
- 2 medium Carrots(cut into strips)
- 100 g Bacon(cut into strips)
- 200 ml Vinegar(for marinating)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 1 tsp Nutmeg(grated)
- 150 g Prunes(pitted)
- 100 g Dried figs(halved)
- 1 bunch Parsley(chopped)
- 200 ml Prošek (or sweet dessert wine)
- 200 ml Red wine
- 500 ml Beef broth
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for serving Gnocchi
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Score the beef all over and stuff with garlic cloves and bacon strips. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Place the beef in a non-reactive bowl and pour over the vinegar. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
- 3
Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Remove beef from marinade, reserving the liquid. Pat the beef dry.
- 4
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until deeply browned.
- 5
Remove beef from the pot. Add chopped onions and carrots to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 6
Return the beef to the pot. Add the reserved marinade, prunes, dried figs, nutmeg, chopped parsley, prošek, red wine, and beef broth. The liquid should almost cover the meat.
- 7
Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot tightly and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- 8
Once cooked, remove the beef from the pot and let it rest. Strain the sauce, discarding the solids. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it on the stovetop until it reaches the desired consistency.
- 9
Slice the beef and serve with the rich sauce and homemade gnocchi.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The longer the pašticada braises, the more tender and flavorful it will become.
- ✓Prošek is a traditional Croatian dessert wine, but a sweet Marsala or other sweet red wine can be substituted.
- ✓Ensure the beef is well-marinated to tenderize and add depth of flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include a small amount of tomato paste for added depth.
- A pinch of cinnamon can be added to the sauce for a warmer spice profile.