Ingredients
For the Beef Cheeks
- 600–800 g (1 ⅓ – 1 ¾ lbs) beef cheeks
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and cut into medium-sized chunks
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and slightly crushed
- 1 leek, only the white part, sliced
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 3 bay leaves
- 3–4 mini bell peppers
- 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) beef stock
- 1 tbsp butter
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 600–800 g (1 ⅓ – 1 ¾ lbs) large potatoes (the kind used for baked potatoes)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 75–100 g (5–7 tbsp) butter
- 100–200 ml (½–¾ cup) heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
For the Roasted Vegetables
- 300 g (10 oz) baby carrots
- 2 shallots, cut in half
- 200 g (7 oz) cremini mushrooms
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
To Serve
- Caviar
- Pea sprouts (optional)
Instructions
For the Beef Cheeks
- Season both sides of the beef cheeks with salt.
- Heat the cooking oil in an oven-safe pot. Sear the beef cheeks until browned on all sides, then set aside.
- In the same pot, fry the onion with rosemary and thyme until slightly browned.
- Add the carrot and tomato paste, mixing well.
- Add the leek and continue frying for a few minutes before adding the garlic.
- Pour in the wine and bring it to a boil. Season with salt, black pepper, and add the bay leaves. Let it boil for a few minutes.
- Return the beef cheeks to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
- Add the mini bell peppers, beef stock, and any resting juices from the beef.
- Create a cartouche by cutting a piece of parchment paper into a circle with a small hole in the center and place it on top of the meat and liquid.
- Cover with a lid, leaving it slightly open, and braise in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 3 hours.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- As the beef cheeks are braising, poke holes in the potatoes with a fork.
- Place them on a roasting tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season with black pepper and salt. Make sure they are evenly covered with the oil and seasoning.
- Bake in the oven alongside the beef cheeks for 2 hours.
- Once done, cut the potatoes in half and scoop out the inner part, discarding the skin.
- Use a potato ricer or masher to mash the potatoes.
- Add butter, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard, mixing until silky smooth. Adjust the amount of butter and cream to reach your desired consistency.
- If using a pot, keep the mash on low heat while mixing to make it extra creamy.
Roast the Vegetables
- When the beef cheeks and potatoes are done, place the vegetables and rosemary on a large roasting tray.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with black pepper and salt, and shake the tray to coat evenly.
- Roast at 230°C (445°F) for 20-30 minutes.
Make the Sauce
- Remove the beef cheeks from the pot and place them on a plate.
- Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a pot or skillet.
- Bring to a boil and reduce until thickened to your desired consistency.
- Add the beef cheeks back into the sauce and baste them well.
- Remove from heat and mix in the butter.
- Plate and finish with a tablespoon of caviar on top of the beef. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes