Creative Chuck Steak

[makinitgreen]

Hey all,

I just got a bunch of chuck steaks from my meat CSA yesterday, and I've been reading that braising is an excellent idea for these cuts. Here's my deal: because of tremendous dietary restrictions I'm not sure what to braise IN. Can't do any onions or garlic, tomato, red wine, gluten, dairy, soy, corn, etc. Don't like white wine, either. So, what does that leave me? Some homemade chicken or beef broth with herbs and carrots, parsley, and celery? Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[chowser]

Believe it or not, coffee is really good and you don't taste it. Beer also works well. Chicken or beef stock are fine.

[4Snisl]

I bet you could actually make a decent chili....yes, even without the onion, garlic, or beer. :)

This recipe might be a good place to start....instead of masa harina, might choose to thicken with rice flour?

http://homesicktexan.blogspot.com/200...

[seamunky]

coca cola

[makinitgreen]

Coke: high fructose corn syrup. No can do.

[sweethooch]

A gluten-free beer? Chicken or beef stock and orange juice with Cuban spices?

[1POINT21GW]

What about grinding it and making hamburger patties out of some of it?

[makinitgreen]

Well, we got lots of ground beef in our csa share already, and I love the taste of slow-cooked meat. So, just want to see what's possible from the chowhound folks.

[1POINT21GW]

Ah, I see.

What about braising it in coconut milk? I think this would go well with an Asian or Caribbean direction.

[eight_inch_pestle]

I was thinking a SE Asian curry, as well, although I was picturing cubed rather braised whole. All sorts of online sites and even generalist cookbooks should have a basic recipe these days. Homemade or store-bought curry paste, lemongrass, shallot, lime leaf, fish sauce, maybe some galangal or fresh turmeric if you can get your hands on them.

[makinitgreen]

Thanks for this suggestion. That's exactly what I did, and it was delicious! Here's the recipe I modeled tonight's dinner after: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/thai-.... My husband loved it, and I know how I'm going to make it even more flavorful next time.

[eight_inch_pestle]

Good to hear. Have to admit I've never seen bay leaf in a thai recipe. Live and learn. Or maybe it was somehow viewed as a substitute for lime leaf...

[makinitgreen]

Yeah, me, too. Fortunately I had lime leaf, and I'm sure it made a world of difference. Bay leaf just doesn't have that wonderful savory quality. But at least I had a starting point . . . wouldn't have even thought of coconut milk without your suggestion,

[1POINT21GW]

You're welcome! Good to hear you guys enjoyed it!

[monavano]

Broth and aromatics should work well with the beef. Throw a bay leaf in there too.

[boyzoma]

Love the thought of broth and aromatics. Maybe in a slow cooker using root beer (I do this with pork) and have shredded beef sandwiches on gluten free bread or rolls (ala french dip)?

[Westy]

Hmmmm...can you describe the root beer/ slow cooker recipe?