Pašticada s Njokima
A rich and flavorful slow-cooked beef dish, Pašticada is a Dalmatian specialty often served with homemade gnocchi. The beef is marinated and braised in a sauce of vegetables, red wine, and prunes, creating a deep, complex flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Beef (top round or similar cut)
- 100 g Pancetta or bacon(cubed)
- 2 large Carrots(chopped)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 2 stalks Celery stalks(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 750 ml Red wine (dry)
- 500 ml Beef broth
- 150 g Prunes (pitted)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 Bay leaves
- 5 Juniper berries
- 2 Cloves
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 500 g Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Marinate the beef: Score the beef and insert slivers of garlic and pancetta. Season generously with salt and pepper. Marinate in red wine with bay leaves, juniper berries, and cloves for at least 12 hours, or preferably overnight.
💡 Tip: Using a good quality red wine will enhance the flavor. - 2
Sear the beef: Remove beef from marinade, reserving the marinade. Pat the beef dry and sear in hot olive oil in a Dutch oven until browned on all sides.
- 3
Sauté vegetables: Remove beef from the pot. Add chopped carrots, onions, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute.
- 4
Braise: Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the reserved marinade and beef broth. Add the prunes. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for at least 4 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
💡 Tip: Check liquid levels periodically and add more broth if needed. - 5
Make the sauce: Remove the beef and prunes from the pot. Strain the braising liquid, discarding solids. Return the liquid to the pot and simmer until thickened into a sauce. Adjust seasoning.
- 6
Serve: Slice the beef and serve with the thickened sauce and cooked gnocchi.
💡 Tip: Gnocchi can be boiled or pan-fried.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The longer the beef marinates, the more flavorful the Pašticada will be.
- ✓Ensure the beef is tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork before serving.
- ✓Pašticada often tastes even better the next day.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include a splash of vinegar in the marinade for extra tang.
- Serve with mashed potatoes instead of gnocchi.