Brasato al Barolo: A Traditional Dish of Piedmont

Brasato al Barolo is one of the most famous dishes from the Piedmont region in northern Italy. The key ingredient is high-quality beef, slowly braised in Barolo wine, one of Italy's finest red wines. This dish epitomizes the elegance and sophistication of Piedmontese cuisine, where attention to detail is essential.

Traditionally prepared for special occasions and holidays, Brasato al Barolo is known for its rich flavor and deep aromas, which develop through long marination and slow cooking. The Barolo wine adds soft tannic notes, making the beef exceptionally tender and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of beef (shoulder or brisket)
• 1 bottle of Barolo wine (can be substituted with another high-quality dry red wine)
• 2 carrots
• 1 large onion
• 2 celery stalks
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• 4-5 juniper berries (optional)
• 2-3 cloves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 50 g butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation Overview:

Marinating the Beef: Place the beef in a large bowl with coarsely chopped vegetables and spices (carrot, onion, celery, garlic, bay leaf, rosemary, cloves, and juniper berries). Cover the meat with Barolo wine and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.

Searing the Beef: After marination, sear the beef on all sides in olive oil and butter until golden brown. Strain the marinade and set aside the vegetables and wine.

Braising: Add the marinated vegetables to the same pan and cook for a few minutes. Return the beef to the pan, add the reserved wine, bring to a boil, and simmer gently for 2-3 hours until tender.

Serving: Slice the meat and serve with the wine sauce, pairing it with polenta or mashed potatoes, and a glass of the same Barolo wine for a perfect complement.

Interesting Fact: Barolo wine, a heritage of Piedmont, is considered one of Italy’s greatest wines. Made from Nebbiolo grapes, it offers complex flavors with notes of cherry, spice, and earth, which beautifully enhance the flavors of the dish.

This dish symbolizes the harmony between local cuisine and winemaking, where each ingredient highlights the uniqueness of the other, creating a rich and unforgettable gastronomic experience.