Beef Stroganoff

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Egg noodles or rice, cooked, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, season the thinly sliced beef strips with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef and toss to coat evenly.
2. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned beef strips to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
5. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and any liquid they release has evaporated.
6. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits.
7. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine.
8. Pour in the heavy cream and continue to stir the sauce until it thickens slightly and reaches your desired consistency.
9. Return the cooked beef strips to the skillet and cook briefly in the sauce to reheat them.
10. Taste the Beef Stroganoff and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
11. Remove the skillet from the heat.
12. Serve the Beef Stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice.
13. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
14. Enjoy your creamy and comforting Beef Stroganoff!

History:

Beef Stroganoff is a classic Russian dish with a rich history. It was originally named after the Stroganov family, a prominent Russian noble family.

The dish's exact origins are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been created in the mid-19th century. The original recipe likely included sautéed beef served with a mustard and sour cream sauce.

Beef Stroganoff gained international popularity during the 20th century and became a well-loved dish in various countries, especially in Europe and the United States.

Today, there are numerous variations of Beef Stroganoff, but the core elements of tender beef, creamy sauce, and a tangy twist from sour cream and mustard remain constant.

Interesting Facts:

- Beef Stroganoff is often served over egg noodles, but it can also be enjoyed with other accompaniments like rice or mashed potatoes.

- In Russia, Beef Stroganoff is traditionally made with thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, mushrooms, and sour cream, but variations may include additional ingredients like tomato paste or paprika for added flavor.

- The popularity of Beef Stroganoff grew worldwide when it was featured in a cookbook by the famous chef Auguste Escoffier.

- This dish's versatility makes it a popular choice for both casual family dinners and elegant entertaining.

Note: To prevent the sour cream from curdling, avoid boiling the sauce after adding it to the skillet. Instead, simmer it gently until heated through.