French Onion Daube

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 130 minutes

Nutrition facts (per serving): 241 cal (11g fat, 33g protein, 0g fiber)

The French onion daube is an entrée that you must serve on the festive celebration. This recipe will add a lot of appeal and color to your dinner table.

Ingredients (8 servings)

2 tablespoons olive oil

28 ounces gravy beef, trimmed, cut into 1½ inch pieces

3 large brown onions, sliced

2 teaspoons caster sugar

2 tablespoons plain flour

2 tablespoons brandy

3/4 cup dry red wine

1 cup beef stock

3 celery stalks, sliced

2 large carrots, sliced

2 large parsnips, sliced

1 fresh rosemary sprig

1 dried bay leaf

7 ounces baguette, sliced

2 ounces butter, softened

1 cup gruyere cheese, grated

Chopped fresh chives, to serve

Preparation

At 300 degrees F, preheat your oven. Preheat about 1 tablespoon oil in an ovenproof saucepan over high heat. Add beef. Sauté for 4 minutes until brown. Transfer to a suitable plate and keep it aside. Pour the remaining oil into the pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and sugar. Season with salt. Sauté for 10 minutes until onion caramelizes. Add the flour. Sauté for 1 minute. Gradually add brandy and wine, then stock, stirring until sauce is smooth. Stir in the carrot, celery, parsnip, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to the boil. Season with salt and black pepper. Cover. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes until beef is tender. Spread baguette slices with butter. Increase oven heat to 350 degrees F. Remove and discard the rosemary sprig and bay leaf. Arrange the bread, butter-side up and overlapping, over the beef mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for almost 20 minutes until cheese is melted, and the daube is bubbling around the side. Sprinkle with chives. Serve.