Ingredients FOR THE BEEF 1/4 cup olive oil 1.200 gr beef (neck, shank, or shoulder) cut into bite-sized pieces 1 clov. garlic, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 carrot, finely chopped 1 sprig celery, finely chopped 1 tbsp flour 1 tbsp sweet paprika 1-2 sprig fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 400 gr diced tomatoes Salt Pepper FOR THE MASHED POTATOES 10 medium potatoes 3 tbsp butter 3/4 cup heavy cream 1 clov. garlic 1 cup grated kefalotyri 2 pinches nutmeg Salt Freshly ground pepper Equipment Pot TAGS MEAT BEEF MAIN COURSES HOLIDAY MEALS NEW YEAR'S DAY VALENTINE'S DAY SUNDAY LUNCH AU GRATIN Ingredients FOR THE BEEF 1/4 cup olive oil 1.200 gr beef (neck, shank, or shoulder) cut into bite-sized pieces 1 clov. garlic, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 carrot, finely chopped 1 sprig celery, finely chopped 1 tbsp flour 1 tbsp sweet paprika 1-2 sprig fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 400 gr diced tomatoes Salt Pepper FOR THE MASHED POTATOES 10 medium potatoes 3 tbsp butter 3/4 cup heavy cream 1 clov. garlic 1 cup grated kefalotyri 2 pinches nutmeg Salt Freshly ground pepper Instructions BEEF First, sear the meat to make the beef more juicy. Heat the olive oil in a pot and brown the meat on all sides for 5-6 minutes. Add the onion and let it wilt, then add the garlic, bell pepper, celery, and carrot and cook for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle with the flour and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring. Add the tomatoes and paprika. Add salt and pepper and add enough water to half-cover the meat. Cover the pot and simmer the dish until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. MASHED POTATOES Cut the potatoes into small pieces. Place them in a pot and cover with cold water. From the time they come to a boil, cook for about 20 minutes until tender. Add a little salt while they’re boiling. Meanwhile, in a small pot, heat the cream, butter, garlic, and nutmeg. Keep the mixture warm and let the garlic infuse the cream. Drain the water from the potatoes and leave them in the pot over medium heat to dry completely. At the same time, mash them with a whisk. Add the hot cream mixture (removing the garlic) and check the salt and pepper. Mix the mashed potatoes until smooth. Add half the cheese, mixing, and reserve the remaining cheese for the surface of the baking dish. BAKING Place the braised beef in an ovenproof dish and cover the surface with the mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake in the oven at 200°C (390°F) for 15 minutes, until the surface is lightly browned. Serve immediately and accompany with a seasonal salad. TAGS MEAT BEEF MAIN COURSES HOLIDAY MEALS NEW YEAR'S DAY VALENTINE'S DAY SUNDAY LUNCH AU GRATIN