Hearty Meat and Vegetable Bake

This hearty meat and vegetable bake is a comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or a cozy evening at home. The recipe combines tender chunks of beef or lamb with a colorful array of vegetables like celery root, turnips, carrots, and potatoes, all melded together with a creamy herb-infused sauce. A subtle hint of garlic and the rich flavors of mushrooms and cauliflower add depth to this dish. The bake features a bright addition of red bell pepper and a refreshing touch of parsley for garnish. This delicious one-pot meal is easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort to achieve a satisfying and flavorful result. A key element of the dish is the savory broth in which the vegetables are briefly cooked, infusing them with a rich taste. Once baked to perfection in the oven, the tender meat and vegetables soak in the aromatic cream sauce, resulting in a delightful fusion of flavors. Whether you're looking for a main course to impress guests or a comforting family meal, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy the culinary warmth in each bite of this delightful bake.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 800 g beef or lamb (boneless)
• 1 small celery root
• 2 medium turnips
• 3 large carrots
• 6 medium potatoes
• 10 garlic cloves
• 150 g mushrooms
• 1/2 head cauliflower
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 bunch parsley
• 150 g sour cream

Spices and Sauces:

• Dry vegetable and spice mix
• Salt, to taste

Preparation Time

• Total: 60 minutes (Preparation: 20 minutes, Cooking: 40 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and peel the turnips, celery root, carrots, and potatoes. Slice them into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Clean the bell pepper and cut it into rings, then quarter the rings. Rinse the cauliflower and divide it into uniform florets.
3. Slice the Garlic and Parsley: Peel and slice the garlic cloves thinly. Finely chop the parsley.
4. Cooking the Beef or Lamb: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Meanwhile, cube the beef or lamb into evenly sized chunks.
5. Sear the Meat: Heat a bit of olive oil in a pan over high heat. Sear the meat until it develops a golden crust on the edges.
6. Blanch the Vegetables: Once the water is boiling, add the turnips, followed by carrots, celery root, potatoes, and cauliflower. Add mushrooms last. Do not cook the bell pepper.
7. Strain and Reserve Liquid: Cook the mushrooms for 3 minutes, then strain the vegetables, reserving 1 liter of the vegetable broth. Let it cool.
8. Assemble the Bake: In an ovenproof dish, layer the seared meat and vegetables, topping them with the bell pepper.
9. Prepare the Sauce: In the cooled vegetable broth, stir in sliced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and the dry vegetable and spice mix. Dissolve the sour cream thoroughly in this mix.
10. Pour the Sauce: Evenly pour the cream sauce over the meat and vegetables in the ovenproof dish.
11. Bake the Dish: Cover the dish with a lid and place it in a cold oven, set to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 40 minutes.

Tips

• Substitute Vegetables: If certain vegetables aren't available, use similar textured ones like parsnips for turnips or zucchini for celery root.
• Herb Variations: Try adding thyme or rosemary to the broth for a different aroma.
• Cream Alternatives: Use Greek yogurt or heavy cream instead of sour cream for a richer sauce.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 33 g
• Fats: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian variation.
• Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a mild spicy kick.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with additional cauliflower or zucchini.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with additional fresh parsley or grated Parmesan before serving.

Best Places

1. Chez Maxime - Specializes in hearty European dishes with a focus on quality ingredients. Location: 12 Rue de Bagnolet, Paris, France.
2. The Farmhouse - Cozy restaurant offering a wide range of rustic and hearty meals. Location: 5563 Frederick St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
3. The Beef Spot - Known for their delicious meat-based dishes with international flair. Location: 8 Wellington St, Birmingham, UK.
4. Mediterranean Magic - Offers a blend of Mediterranean and local cuisine with fresh seasonal ingredients. Location: 5 Av. de la République, Nice, France.
5. Rialto Roast - Famous for oven-baked dishes and warm hospitality. Location: ​Via Rialto 13, Birmingham, WA, USA.
6. Bavarian Bites - Represents traditional Bavarian flavors with a modern twist. Location: 7 Konigsplatz, Munich, Germany.
7. The Butcher's Table - Combines local produce with diverse flavors in hearty meals. Location: 2450 Thomas Ave, Seattle, WA, USA.
8. La Casa Rustica - A local favorite for its warm ambiance and hearty meals. Location: 543 Forest Ave, Portland, OR, USA.
9. Café Rustique - Celebrates local ingredients with rich, traditional European recipes. Location: 10 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, Canada.
10. Firenze Delights - Captures the essence of saltim bocca and other Italian classics. Location: 15 Borgo Ognissanti, Florence, Italy.