Spezzatino – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
Italy Region / Locale: Tuscany Servings: Serves 6
Italy Region / Locale: Tuscany Servings: Serves 6Spezzatino, a quintessential Italian stew, is a rustic and hearty dish that has warmed the hearts and homes of many throughout Italy. Often made with tender chunks of meat simmered slowly with vegetables in a savory tomato sauce, this dish hails from various regions across Italy, each imparting its own twist. Spezzatino embodies the essence of Italian comfort food – it is simple yet profoundly flavorful, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, cubed – 2 lbs / 900 g
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp / 30 ml
- Onion, chopped – 1 large / 200 g
- Carrots, sliced – 2 medium / 120 g
- Celery stalks, sliced – 2 / 120 g
- Garlic cloves, minced – 3 cloves
- Canned whole tomatoes – 28 oz / 800 g
- Red wine – 1 cup / 240 ml
- Beef broth – 2 cups / 480 ml
- Bay leaf – 1
- Fresh thyme – 1 tsp / 1 g
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in the pot. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until onions are translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Add the browned beef back to the pot, followed by the canned tomatoes and their juices.
- Pour in the red wine and beef broth, then add the bay leaf and thyme.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
Substitutions
- Beef chuck -> Pork shoulder
- Red wine -> Extra beef broth
- Olive oil -> Vegetable oil
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Marinate the beef in red wine, garlic, and herbs for an hour before cooking for deeper flavor.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar towards the end of cooking for added depth.
- Include diced potatoes for a more filling stew.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
