Quirky Foodster

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Beef in Sweet Tomato Sauce

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Ingredients

  • - 800 g (1.75 lb) beef brisket or shin, cubed
  • - 500 g (1.1 lb) ripe tomatoes, or 400g tinned tomatoes
  • - 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • - 1 onion, chopped
  • - 2 carrots, chopped
  • - 2 tbsp butter
  • - 2 tbsp plain flour
  • - 100 ml (1/3 cup) cream
  • - 1 tsp sugar
  • - 1 bay leaf
  • - Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Place the beef in a pot with the onion, carrots and bay leaf, cover with water, and simmer gently for 1.5-2 hours until tender.
  2. Remove the beef and set aside, reserving the cooking liquid and vegetables.
  3. Blend the cooked vegetables with the tomatoes and tomato paste until smooth, then pass through a sieve for a silky texture.
  4. Melt the butter in a clean pot, whisk in the flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in the tomato mixture and enough reserved cooking liquid to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
  5. Simmer for 10 minutes, stir in the cream and sugar, and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Return the beef to the sauce to warm through, then serve with bread dumplings or boiled potatoes.

Introduction: Rajská omáčka is a nostalgic Czech comfort dish: tender boiled or braised beef bathed in a smooth, slightly
sweet tomato sauce enriched with cream.

Cultural Background: Rajská omáčka is a nostalgic Czech comfort dish: tender boiled or braised beef bathed in a smooth, slightly
sweet tomato sauce enriched with cream. Popular in school cafeterias and family kitchens alike, it's often cited
by Czechs as one of the most evocative tastes of childhood.

Tips: Adjust the sugar carefully to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes without making the sauce taste like
dessert.

Variations: Some households use minced beef meatballs instead of whole beef cubes for a quicker version.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, adding a splash of water if the sauce has
thickened.

Nutrition: Approx. 380 kcal, 28g protein, 20g fat, 20g carbohydrate per serving (serves 6).

FAQs

Q: Can I use tinned tomatoes instead of fresh?
A: Yes, good-quality tinned tomatoes work well and are used year-round in Czech kitchens.

Q: Is this dish very sweet?
A: No, it has just a gentle sweetness to balance the tomato's acidity, not a dessert-like flavour.