Delia Smith Beef Stroganoff

Delve into the rich, comforting world of Delia Smith's Beef Stroganoff, a dish that epitomizes the fusion of simplicity and elegance in British cuisine. This version of Beef Stroganoff is a testament to Delia Smith's ability to transform traditional dishes into accessible, delightful feasts for everyone to enjoy.

Cultural or Historical Context Beef Stroganoff, originally a Russian dish, has traveled across the world, adapting and evolving. Delia Smith's take on this classic includes the addition of mushrooms and onions to the traditional beef in sour cream sauce, enhancing its flavors and textures. The slow-cooking method allows for the use of more economical cuts of beef, without compromising on taste or tenderness.

Ingredients for the Delia Smith Beef Stroganoff

• Lean chuck steak: 900g
• Mushrooms, thickly sliced: 565g
• Dry white wine or dry cider: 350ml
• Dried porcini mushrooms: 20g
• Large onions, finely chopped: 3
• Butter: 75g
• Crème fraîche: 300ml
• Freshly grated nutmeg: a pinch
• Salt and freshly milled black pepper: to taste

Preparation Instructions

1. Start by rehydrating the dried porcini mushrooms in hot water, setting them aside for about 20 minutes.
2. Brown the chuck steak pieces in half the butter over medium heat, then set aside.
3. Sauté the onions in the remaining butter until translucent, then add the mushrooms.
4. Return the beef to the pan, add the porcini mushrooms and their liquid, and pour in the wine or cider.
5. Simmer covered on low for about 2 hours until the beef is tender, then stir in the crème fraîche and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Storage and Reheating Beef Stroganoff can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if necessary to keep it moist.

Nutritional Information A serving of this Beef Stroganoff provides approximately 600 calories, with 40g of protein, 35g of fat (20g of which is saturated), 15g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, 5g of sugar, 150mg of cholesterol, and 500mg of sodium.

FAQ about the Delia Smith Beef Stroganoff

• Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, other slow-cooking cuts like brisket or round steak are also suitable.
• Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Absolutely, just brown the beef and sauté the vegetables before transferring to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
• How can I thicken the sauce if it's too runny? A cornstarch slurry can be used to thicken the sauce, or simply simmer with the lid off to reduce the liquid.

This rendition of Beef Stroganoff not only brings warmth and comfort but also showcases Delia Smith's culinary expertise in elevating simple ingredients into a dish worthy of any dinner table. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or buttered noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.

Original recipe attributed to Delia Smith.

For more detailed information, please refer to Delia Smith's online resources​​​​.