Smokey Prairie

About the Smokey Prairie

The Smokey Prairie is a dish deeply rooted in traditional American cooking, reminiscent of the hearty meals that sustained pioneers as they traversed the vast expanses of the American plains. This dish combines simple, robust ingredients with the distinct, rich essence of smoke, giving it a unique character and deep flavor profile that speaks to the rustic heritage of prairie life. It's a celebration of both the land and the pastoral way of life, evoking images of campfires, wide-open skies, and the enduring spirit of discovery.

Ingredients

• Beef – 2 lbs of chuck roast or brisket
• Smoked Paprika – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
• Onion – 1 large, diced
• Carrots – 2, chopped
• Celery – 2 stalks, chopped
• Tomato Paste – 1 tablespoon
• Beef Broth – 2 cups
• Red Wine – 1 cup
• Bay Leaves – 2
• Thyme – 1 teaspoon, dried
• Salt – to taste
• Pepper – to taste
• Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons

Preparation Steps

1. Start by patting the beef dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper. This helps to form a rich crust when searing, which adds depth to the flavor.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until deeply browned. This should take about 10 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
3. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these vegetables until they become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and smoked paprika, allowing them to toast slightly for about 2 minutes. This will develop their flavors and form the base for the sauce.
6. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it reduce by half, concentrating its rich flavor.
7. Return the beef to the pot along with the beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Ensure the liquid covers the beef fully; add more broth if necessary.
8. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and allow it to stew for approximately 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. Check every 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adjusting the salt and pepper as needed.

Cooking Process

While the dish cooks, take this opportunity to link your cooking time with a cooking timer to ensure precision. The key to a perfectly cooked Smokey Prairie is patience, allowing the flavors to meld slowly as the meat becomes tender.

As an optional step, if you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the beef upon completion of cooking and let the sauce simmer and reduce uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.

How to Enjoy Smokey Prairie

The Smokey Prairie is best enjoyed in a communal setting, where its rustic flavors can be savored with friends and loved ones. Serve it alongside crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a heap of steamed vegetables, which will complement its rich, smoky taste.

Pair this dish with a glass of robust red wine to enhance the smoky, hearty flavors of the meal. The Smokey Prairie does not only nourish the body but also warms the soul, making any dining experience truly memorable.