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Pomegranate-Balsamic Glazed Garlic and Wild Thyme-Braised Beef Cheek with Velvety Root Vegetable Gravy

Braised Beef Cheeks with Pomegranate and Root Vegetables

Tender beef cheeks braised in a rich pomegranate sauce served over a bed of hearty root vegetables.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Beef Cheeks Trimmed
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 large Onion Chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 cups Beef Stock
  • 1 cup Pomegranate Juice
  • 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Honey
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Wild Thyme Chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 4 large Root Vegetables (Carrots, Parsnips, Turnips) Peeled and chopped
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • to garnish Fresh Pomegranate Seeds

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • Pot

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Season the beef cheeks generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cheeks and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the pomegranate juice and balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the honey and fresh thyme.
  5. Return the beef cheeks to the pot, add the beef stock, and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it braise for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
  6. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the chopped root vegetables. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
  7. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside. In the pot, add the butter and flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in the braising liquid, cooking until the gravy thickens. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Slice the beef cheeks and serve them over the cooked root vegetables. Drizzle with the velvety root vegetable gravy and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds.

Notes

For a twist, you can add a splash of red wine to the braising liquid or serve with mashed potatoes instead of root vegetables.