- 4
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 (12-ounce) beef cheeks, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1/2 celery rib, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups red wine (preferably a dry Lambrusco or Chianti)
- 1 (28- to 32-ounce) can whole tomatoes including juice, chopped (3 cups)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation
Step 1
You can even make it a day or two ahead, as the flavors only deepen and get even more satisfying.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in an ovenproof 6-quart wide heavy pot or dutch oven over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. While oil is heating, pat beef cheeks dry and season with salt and pepper. Brown beef, without crowding, on all sides, about 15-20 minutes total, and transfer with tongs to a bowl. Pour off fat from pot, then add remaining 2 tablespoons oil and cook onion, carrot and celery over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Stir cocoa powder into vegetable mixture, then add wine and scrape up any brown bits. Increase heat to high and boil until liquid is reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
Return cheeks (with any juices) to pot and add tomatoes with juice, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then braise, covered, in the middle of the oven until very tender, about 3 hours.
Beef cheeks improve in flavor if made up to 2 days ahead. Cool, uncovered, then chill, surface covered with parchment paper or wax paper and pot covered with lid. Remove any solidified fat before reheating.