Beef with leek and onions

Beef with leek and onions is a flavorful and savory dish that combines tender beef with the sweetness of leeks and onions. It’s relatively simple to make and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Here’s a delicious recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) beef (sirloin, flank steak, or stew meat), cut into bite-sized cubes or strips

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter

• 2 large leeks, cleaned and sliced (white and light green parts only)

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup beef broth (or stock)

• 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for umami)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Season the beef with salt and pepper.

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes). Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil or butter. Add the sliced leeks and onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften and caramelize. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

3. Add Garlic and Herbs:

   • Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the pan and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Deglaze the Pan:

   • Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook down for about 2 minutes.

5. Add Broth and Simmer:

   • Add the beef broth and soy sauce (if using), stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

6. Return the Beef:

   • Add the browned beef back into the pan with the vegetables and broth. Stir to combine, then cover and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

7. Final Adjustments:

   • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or soy sauce if necessary.

8. Serve:

   • Serve your beef with leek and onions over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips:

• Leeks can be a bit sandy, so make sure to wash them thoroughly. Slice them, then rinse in a bowl of water to get rid of any dirt.

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and add it to the pan at the end of cooking to thicken the sauce.

This dish has a comforting and savory flavor, with the leeks and onions adding a natural sweetness that balances out the richness of the beef. Enjoy!