Highlands Braised Beef

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 450.
2. 2
   Season the meat with salt and pepper.
3. 3
   Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan set over medium-high heat, until it is nearly smoking.
4. 4
   Add the beef pieces in batches and brown well all over, approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side.
5. 5
   Transfer to a plate and set aside.
6. 6
   Add remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to pan set to medium heat.
7. 7
   Add the onion, celery and carrots, and cook, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes.
8. 8
   Add the garlic and cook for approximately 5 minutes more, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
9. 9
   Add sherry, scraping up the browned bits, and boil until it is thick and syrupy.
10. 10
    Pour in the red wine, bring to a boil and reduce by 1/4.
11. 11
    Remove from the heat.
12. 12
    Arrange the beef in a Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot with a lid.
13. 13
    Add the vegetables and their cooking liquid, along with enough warm stock to come three-quarters of the way up the sides of the meat.
14. 14
    Add the thyme, parsley stems, bay leaves and dried mushrooms.
15. 15
    Cover the pot.
16. 16
    Place the beef in the oven, and reduce the heat to 310.
17. 17
    Cook until the meat is very tender, approximately 2 hours.
18. 18
    When the meat is done, transfer to a cutting board and let it rest, uncovered.
19. 19
    Strain the braising liquid into a saucepan, pressing on the vegetables with the back of a spoon.
20. 20
    Place the saucepan over very low heat and bring to a gentle simmer, skimming off the fat that rises to the top.
21. 21
    Continue simmering and skimming until the liquid is slightly reduced and little fat remains, approximately 20 minutes.
22. 22
    Put the beef back in the pot, add a little of the braising broth and warm gently over low heat.
23. 23
    Serve the meat over rice pirlau with more of the braising liquid spooned on top.
24. 24
    Serves 4 to 6.
25. 25
    Adapted from Frank Stitt, Highlands Bar and Grill, Birmingham, Ala.