Juicy Sunday Cider Braise (Printable Version)
Slow-braised beef in cider paired with crispy sage potatoes for a cozy, flavorful dinner.
# Ingredients:
→ Beef Pot Roast
01 -
1.5 kg chuck roast, trimmed
02 -
15 g all-purpose flour
03 -
2 medium onions, sliced
04 -
2 shallots, sliced
05 -
50 g unsalted butter
06 -
2 tbsp apple butter
07 -
240 ml apple cider
08 -
120 ml dry red wine
09 -
5 g fresh thyme sprigs
10 -
5 g salt
11 -
3 g ground black pepper
→ Roasted Potatoes
12 -
900 g Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and halved
13 -
50 g unsalted butter
14 -
10 g fresh sage leaves
15 -
2 g garlic powder
16 -
5 g salt
17 -
3 g ground black pepper
# Steps:
01 -
Generously season the chuck roast with salt and pepper, then lightly dust all sides with flour to promote browning and sauce thickening.
02 -
Melt 25 grams of butter in a heavy Dutch oven over medium heat, then cook sliced onions and shallots until soft and golden brown, about 10 minutes.
03 -
Place the beef atop the sautéed onions, spread apple butter over the roast, then pour in apple cider and red wine around the meat. Add fresh thyme. Arrange halved potatoes around the edges.
04 -
Cover and braise in a preheated oven at 160°C for 3 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
05 -
In a small saucepan, melt remaining butter, add chopped fresh sage leaves and garlic powder, cook until sage is crisp, then remove from heat.
06 -
Transfer the softened potatoes to a baking sheet, gently press each potato half flat, then spoon the sage butter evenly over them.
07 -
Roast the potatoes uncovered in a 220°C oven for 20 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.
08 -
Uncover the beef and continue roasting for the final 30 minutes at 220°C to develop a rich brown crust and thicken the sauce.
09 -
Present the beef and potatoes straight from the pot, garnished with fresh thyme, and enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
# Notes:
01 -
Using a heavy Dutch oven ensures even heat distribution for perfect braising.
02 -
Apple butter adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
03 -
Smashed potatoes create a crunchy exterior while maintaining a creamy interior.
04 -
Leftovers improve in flavor overnight and can be reheated gently, crisping potatoes again in a hot oven.