1kg beef brisket, cut into 4 pieces- plain (all-purpose) flour, for dusting
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1 brown onion, thickly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 cup (250ml) dry red wine
- 2 cups (500ml) beef stock
- 1 cup (250ml) water
- 1 x 400g can cherry tomatoes
- 4 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon caster (superfine) sugar
- 400g caserecci+ pasta
- sea salt and cracked black pepper
- ½ cup basil leaves
- finely grated parmesan, to serve
Preheat oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Dust the beef in flour, shaking to remove any excess. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-based saucepan over high heat. Cook the beef for 2–3 minutes each side or until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.Reduce heat to low, add the remaining oil, onion and garlic and cook for 6–8 minutes or until softened. Increase heat to high.Add the wine and cook, scraping the bottom of the pan, for 2–3 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half. Add the stock, water, tomatoes, bay leaves, tomato paste and sugar and stir to combine. Return the beef to the pan, cover with a tight-fitting lid, transfer to the oven and roast for 2 hours. Remove the lid and roast for a further 30 minutes. Remove beef from the pan and shred the meat using 2 forks, discarding any fat. Return meat to the sauce and mix to combine. Set aside.Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of salted boiling water for 10–12 minutes or until al dente. Drain, return to the pan with the beef sauce, salt, pepper and toss to combine. Top with basil and sprinkle with parmesan to serve. Serves 4–6.
+ Caserecci is a rustic rolled tube of pasta available from Italian grocery stores and delicatessens. You can also use rigatoni, if desired.
