Beef in Cheader - History and Recipe

History of Beef in Cheddar

Beef in Cheddar is a traditional English dish that dates back to the 18th century. It is believed to have originated in the county of Somerset, England, where Cheddar cheese is produced. The dish is made with beef that is braised in a rich sauce made with Cheddar cheese, onions, and herbs.

There are many different variations of Beef in Cheddar, but the basic ingredients remain the same. Some recipes call for the beef to be browned before it is braised, while others call for it to be cooked in the sauce from the beginning. Some recipes also add vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, celery, and potatoes.

Beef in Cheddar is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is typically served with mashed potatoes or rice.

Preparation of Beef in Cheddar

To prepare Beef in Cheddar, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 pound of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups of beef broth
  • 1 cup of Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the beef cubes to the skillet and brown on all sides.
  4. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
  6. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
  7. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth.
  8. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  9. Stir in the Cheddar cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  10. Return the beef to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the beef.
  11. Bake for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
  12. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or rice.

Tips

  • For a richer flavor, use a dark beer instead of beef broth.
  • If you don’t have Cheddar cheese, you can use another type of hard cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan.
  • You can also add vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, celery, and potatoes.
  • Beef in Cheddar can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.