Nevsky Select

About Nevsky Select

The Nevsky Select is a classic Russian dish named after the famous Nevsky Prospect in St. Petersburg, Russia. This dish perfectly encapsulates the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the region known for its blend of Eastern and Western influences.

This recipe is thought to have originated in the late 19th century, during a time when Russian cuisine began integrating more refined and sophisticated cooking techniques from Europe. Its namesake, Nevsky Prospect, was the heart of cultural and social life in St. Petersburg, bustling with extravagant restaurants and dining experiences that inspired dishes like the Nevsky Select.

Ingredients

• Beef - 500g of high-quality beef, preferably tenderloin or sirloin for a tender texture
• Butter - 50g, clarified, for rich flavor and smooth cooking
• Onions - 2 large, thinly sliced, to provide sweetness and depth
• Mushrooms - 200g of wild mushrooms, cleaned and sliced, for an earthy undertone
• Flour - 2 tablespoons for thickening the sauce
• Sour Cream - 100g, adding creaminess to the dish
• Mustard - 1 tablespoon, preferably Dijon, for a hint of tang
• Beef Stock - 200ml, to enrich the sauce and carry the flavors
• Salt and Black Pepper - to taste
• Dill - Fresh, chopped, for garnish

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

Trim any excess fat from the beef and cut it into thin strips. This allows for even cooking and ensures tender bites.

Step 2: Slicing the Onions and Mushrooms

Thinly slice the onions and mushrooms. This step ensures they cook evenly and quickly, releasing their flavors into the dish.

Step 3: Preparing the Sauce Base

Mix the sour cream with the mustard and set aside. This will be added later to create the creamy sauce that coats the beef.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Searing the Beef

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, searing each piece until it is brown on the outside but still rare inside. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cooking the Onions and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add more butter if needed. Add the onions and cook until they are translucent. Then add the mushrooms and cook until both are soft and slightly caramelized.

Step 3: Making the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and mushrooms, stir for about a minute. Gradually add the beef stock, stirring continuously to avoid lumps, then add the sour cream mixture.

Step 4: Finalizing the Dish

Return the beef to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes (cooking timer here), or until the beef is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Enjoying Nevsky Select

Serve the Nevsky Select garnished with fresh dill, alongside crusty bread or a bed of mashed potatoes to soak up the savory sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with a robust red wine or a chilled vodka, as is traditional in its Russian cultural roots.