Brasato al Chianti
Chianti-Braised Beef
A classic Tuscan dish featuring a tender beef roast slowly braised in robust Chianti wine with aromatic herbs and vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef rump roast (or chuck roast)(Choose a well-marbled cut for best results. Tie with kitchen twine if the roast is uneven.)
- 750 ml Chianti Classico wine(A full-bodied red wine is essential for flavor. Do not use cooking wine.)
- 3 sprigs Fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 4 cloves Garlic(Peeled and lightly smashed.)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 large Yellow onion(Roughly chopped.)
- 2 medium Carrots(Peeled and roughly chopped.)
- 2 stalks Celery stalks(Roughly chopped.)
- 250 ml Beef broth(Low sodium preferred.)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Pat the beef roast completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until deeply browned and a nice crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and lightly brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the smashed garlic cloves and tomato paste, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 4
Pour in the Chianti wine, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits (fond). Bring the wine to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Return the seared beef roast to the pot. Add the beef broth, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the roast. If not, add a little more broth or water.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Cover the Dutch oven tightly with its lid or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven. Braise for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
⏱️ 3 hours 30 minutes - 7
Carefully remove the beef from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing or shredding.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 8
While the beef rests, strain the braising liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan, pressing gently on the solids to extract maximum flavor. Discard the solids. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the liquid. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and reduce until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 9
Slice or shred the rested beef and serve hot, generously spooning the reduced Chianti sauce over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Don't rush the searing process; a good sear builds the foundation of flavor.
- ✓Use a good quality Chianti wine that you would enjoy drinking. The flavor of the wine will concentrate.
- ✓Allowing the beef to rest after braising is crucial for a tender and juicy result.
- ✓For an even richer sauce, you can add a knob of cold butter at the end and whisk it in until melted.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute Chianti with another robust Italian red wine like Sangiovese or Barolo.
- Add a handful of Kalamata or Gaeta olives to the braising liquid during the last hour of cooking.
- For a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or balsamic glaze to the sauce during reduction.