Brouffade Arlésienne

Brouffade Arlésienne, also known as Rhone-Valley Brouffade, is a flavorful and aromatic braised beef casserole, light yet rich enough to be served during an outdoor dining event. This dish uses chuck steaks marinated in a blend of grapeseed oil, garlic, bay leaves, and nutmeg, then slow-cooked with capers, cornichons, anchovies, and onions to create a savory, hearty meal. Ideal for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, this slow-braised beef casserole will surely impress your guests with its depth of flavor and aromatic appeal.

Prep Time25

Cook Time2 30

Total Time2 55

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: French

Keyword: Rhone-Valley Brouffade

Servings: 6

Calories: 500kcal

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS TO MARINADE:

2 chuck steaks, 1.5 pounds each, neck and shoulder sliced into 1/3 inch thick slices
3 tablespoons grapeseed oil
2 medium bay leaves
4 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
1 whole clove
Freshly grated nutmeg - a good pinch

BROUFFADE:

2 medium onions, peeled, quartered and finely sliced
3 tablespoons drained capers, chopped
10 medium chopped cornichons
6 anchovy fillets
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1.5 tablespoons plain flour
1.5 cups beef stock

Instructions

Marinate the meat the day before serving: Slice into 1/3 inch thick slices. Lay the slices in a large non-reactive shallow tray and pour over the oil. Then, add the bay leaves, garlic, cloves and a good pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. Cover and leave in a cool place to marinate overnight.
Prepare the brouffade: Preheat the oven to 450°F/220°C. Before cooking, remove the meat from the marinade. Strain the marinade and reserve the oil and the garlic cloves.
Place the anchovy fillets into a mortar and mash with the flour before thinning with red wine vinegar. Pour the anchovy paste into a large bowl and add the oil from the marinade. Stir well and season with salt and ground black pepper. Take the meat slices and add to the pan ensuring an even coating throughout.
In a large hot skillet, sear all the meat until brown on both sides. Work in batches if necessary. Transfer into a large casserole pot and carefully layer alternative sliced onion and chopped capers. Carefully pour over the beef stock, topping up with a little water if required.
Cook: Create a perfect seal on the casserole dish by sealing the lid of the pot with a ribbon of firm dough made from flour and water. Bake the casserole for 2 hours before reducing the temperature to 375°F/190°C, and cook for another half hour.
Bring to the table, removing the seal at the table in front of your guests. There's always great excitement as the lid is removed revealing the most beautiful stew, which smells so fabulous.