Description
This slow-cooked minute steak dish combines tender, flavorful beef with a rich blend of dried apricots, prunes, and warm spices. The steaks are first seared then cooked slowly in the oven with carrots, shallots, and a fragrant mixture of cinnamon and turmeric, resulting in a hearty, aromatic meal perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 6 minute steaks
- 6 shallots (sliced in half)
- 5 large carrots (peeled and roughly chopped)
Liquids and Oils
- 1/4 cup olive oil (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 3 tbsp date syrup
Dried Fruit
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1 cup dried prunes
Spices and Seasonings
- 4-5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary (to garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for slow cooking.
- Heat Oil and Sear Steaks: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large braiser pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the minute steaks with salt and pepper, then sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Remove the steaks and reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with the chopped carrots and halved shallots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring every two minutes, until softened.
- Add Spices: Lower the heat and stir in the ground cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and black pepper with the vegetables.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the seared steaks to the pan. Pour in the boiling water to cover the meat about three-quarters of the way. Layer the dried apricots, dried prunes, and cinnamon sticks on top, then drizzle the date syrup evenly over everything.
- Slow Cook: Cover the pan with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Cook the mixture for 3.5 to 4 hours. Check the liquid level after 2 hours—add 1/2 cup water if needed—and baste the steaks with the cooking liquid. Continue to check every 30 minutes after 3 hours until the meat is tender and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh rosemary before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cooking liquid remains at least three-quarters up the meat during the slow cooking process to avoid drying out.
- Use a heavy-bottomed braiser pan or Dutch oven to evenly distribute heat and retain moisture.
- This dish pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- For a slightly different taste, substitute dried apricots and prunes with other dried fruits like figs or raisins.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: International