Beef Sundae

The Beef Sundae, made famous by the TV show "30 Rock," is a whimsical take on a traditional comfort dish. Often presented in a large bowl, it creatively deconstructs the classic Sunday pot roast into a visually impressive treat. The dish captures the essence of a sundae, layering flavors and textures similar to the decadent dessert, but with savory components like beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, and a cherry tomato on top. This unique dish engages the senses and evokes a hearty nostalgia.

Ingredients

• Beef chuck roast - 3 pounds
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onions - 2 medium, chopped
• Garlic cloves - 3, minced
• Carrots - 2 large, chopped
• Celery - 2 stalks, chopped
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Red wine - 1 cup
• Beef broth - 2 cups
• Bay leaf - 1
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Potatoes - 2 pounds, peeled and chopped
• Butter - 4 tablespoons
• Milk - 1 cup
• Cream - 1/2 cup
• Parsley - chopped, for garnish
• Cherry tomatoes - 4, for garnish

Preparation

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). As you do, season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides.

2. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, sear the beef on all sides until it has a deep, golden brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove it and set aside.

3. In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

4. Add the tomato paste to the pot, stirring to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the paste starts to caramelize.

5. Pour in the red wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it reduce by half, which should take about 3 minutes.

6. Return the beef to the pot, along with the beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.

7. Cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender. For accuracy, use a cooking timer.

8. While the beef is cooking, prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain them well.

9. In the pot used for the potatoes, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and cream, then return the potatoes to the pot. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10. Check and adjust the seasoning of the beef's braising liquid with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Remove and discard the bay leaf.

Assembling the Beef Sundae

1. To assemble your Beef Sundae, scoop a generous portion of mashed potatoes into a bowl. Using an ice cream scoop can help create a more authentic sundae look.

2. Top the mashed potatoes with chunks of the braised beef.

3. Ladle some of the rich braising liquid over the dish, as you would a sundae syrup.

4. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and place a cherry tomato on top as the "cherry on the sundae".

Enjoying Your Beef Sundae

The Beef Sundae is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Its playful presentation is perfect for themed dinner parties or a fun culinary experiment for comfort food lovers. The savory layers of tender beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy bring together a parade of classic flavors that are sure to impress. Enjoy it with a bold red wine pairing or a comforting glass of milk for the ultimate indulgence.