Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chopped yellow onions
  • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 turnip, chopped
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 cup seeded and roughly chopped plum tomatoes
  • 8 ounces button mushrooms, wiped clean and quartered
  • 2 cups dry red wine
  • 3 cups reduced beef or chicken stock
  • 1 pound baking potatoes, like russets, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup green peas
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Fresh chives, garnish
  • Chopped chives, garnish
  • Cheesy Fried Grits, recipe follows
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup old fashioned grits
  • 1 cup grated white cheddar
  • 3 tablespoons chopped green onions (scallions)
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup to 1 cup vegetable oil, for pan frying

Method

  • Place the meat in a dish and season with 2 teaspoons of the Essence.
  • Combine the flour with the remaining teaspoon of Essence.
  • Dredge the meat in the flour to lightly coat, shaking to remove any excess.
  • In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the meat in batches and cook, stirring until evenly browned.
  • As the meat browns, remove to a plate.
  • Add the onions, carrots, and turnip, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
  • Add the tomato paste and cook until brown, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the bay leaves, thyme, and tomatoes, and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
  • Add the wine and stir to deglaze the pan.
  • Add the stock and potatoes and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the meat is very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  • Add the peas to the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking time.
  • Remove from the heat and discard the bay leaves and thyme stems.
  • Add the parsley and stir to combine.
  • Arrange the fried grit squares in shallow bowls and ladle the stew over the grits.
  • Garnish with chopped chives and fresh chive stems.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Yield: about 2/3 cup
  • Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch.
  • Published by William and Morrow, 1993.
  • Grease an 8 by 8-inch baking sheet with the butter and set aside.
  • In a large, heavy saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
  • Slowly add the grits, salt and pepper, whisking constantly.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from the heat, add the cheese, green onions, and garlic, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
  • Turn out the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and using an offset cake spreader or rubber spatula, spread evenly across the bottom.
  • Refrigerate until completely cooled and firm, at least 1 hour.
  • Cut the grits into squares and refrigerate until ready to work.
  • In a large, heavy skillet or saute pan, heat 1/2 cup of the oil to 350 degrees F.
  • Combine the flour and Essence in a shallow dish.
  • Combine the eggs and milk in another shallow dish, whisking to combine.
  • Dredge the squares in the seasoned flour, dip into the egg wash, and then back into the flour, 1 at a time.
  • Fry in batches, turning, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes, adding more oil as necessary.
  • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  • Season fried grits lightly with Essence.