Beef Cheek Tagine with Prunes & Château Reynier Bordeaux Supérieur
Beef cheek is a noble cut that, when patiently braised, offers an incomparable melt-in-your-mouth texture. In this version, inspired by oriental flavors, the meaty side of the beef meets the sweetness of prunes and the crunch of almonds.
To accompany this sweet and savory complexity, Château Reynier Bordeaux Supérieur is a strategic choice. Its silky tannins and notes of ripe red fruits complement the richness of the sauce, while its structure supports the spices without overwhelming the palate. A pairing that is both balanced and profound.
The Recipe:
Serves 4.
Ingredients:
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1 kg beef cheek, cut into large cubes
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200g Agen prunes
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100g whole blanched almonds
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2 yellow onions, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ground ginger
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1 cinnamon stick
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A few saffron threads (or one dose)
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1 tablespoon wildflower honey
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Olive oil, salt, and pepper
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Fresh coriander and pomegranate seeds for serving
Preparation:
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Sear the meat: In a Dutch oven (or tagine pot), brown the beef cheek pieces with a drizzle of olive oil over high heat. Once browned, remove and set aside.
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Aromatic base: In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic over low heat until translucent. Add the spices (ginger, cinnamon, saffron) and mix well to release their aromas.
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Braising: Return the meat to the pot. Cover with water (or light beef broth) to just cover the meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 2h30. The meat should begin to become very tender.
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Sweet addition: Add the prunes and honey. Continue cooking for another 30 to 45 minutes without a lid for the sauce to reduce and become syrupy.
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The crunch: Meanwhile, toast the almonds in a dry pan until golden brown.
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Serving: Arrange the beef cheek and prunes in a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted almonds, fresh chopped coriander, and a few pomegranate seeds for freshness. Serve with fine couscous.
Serve the Château Reynier Bordeaux Supérieur at around 17°C. The combination of the melt-in-your-mouth beef and the structure of the wine creates a memorable tasting experience.
Enjoy!
