Beef & Veggie Hearty Arabic Stew

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €30.71 · €5.12/serving

• 1 (3/4-pound) exquisite center-cut beef tenderloinEst. price €15.00–€22.00
• 2 (1 3/4 ounce) delicate skeins of very fine bean thread noodles (also known as cellophane, glass, or mung-bean vermicelli) (soak in warm water to soften before using)Est. price €1.50–€2.50
• 1 (2- to 3-pound) majestic head of Napa cabbageEst. price €2.50–€4.50
• 1/2 of a (14- to 16-ounce) package of firm tofu (halved lengthwise), rinsed and drained (pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture)Est. price €1.00–€1.80
• 6 to 8 ounces of fresh enoki mushrooms, trimmed (separate the clusters before adding to the dish)Est. price €2.00–€3.50
• 3 1/4 cups of pure waterEst. price €0.01–€0.03
• 3/4 cup of soy sauce (preferably naturally brewed), or to tasteEst. price €1.20–€2.50
• 2/3 cup of mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)Est. price €2.50–€4.00
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of sugar, or to tasteEst. price €0.10–€0.20
• 1 ounce of luscious beef suetEst. price €0.50–€1.50

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by wrapping the beef tenderloin in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer for approximately 45 minutes until it firms up slightly but is not completely frozen. Remove the plastic wrap and use a sharp knife to slice the beef thinly, cutting across the grain into slices less than 1/8 inch thick. Arrange these thin slices in a single layer on a plate and refrigerate them, covered, until you are ready to proceed with using them in your recipe.

2. 2

   Place the noodles in a large bowl and cover them with cold water, ensuring they are submerged by 2 inches. Allow the noodles to soften for at least 15 minutes before draining them in a colander. Transfer the drained noodles to another bowl.

3. 3

   Begin by cutting the cabbage into quarters, setting aside three of them for later use. Boil the remaining cabbage wedge, including the core, in a large pot of unsalted water for 3 minutes with the lid on. Once done, drain the cabbage in a colander and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Squeeze out any extra liquid using your hands and gently dry it with a paper towel. Place the cabbage on a cutting board, remove and discard the core while keeping the wedge intact. Proceed to slice the cabbage crosswise into 2-inch pieces while they are stacked together. Finally, transfer these pieces onto a plate, ensuring to blot away any excess moisture before use.

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• Cultural note

  Arabic stews are an integral part of Middle Eastern cuisine, known for their rich flavors and hearty ingredients. This dish combines Arabic influences with Japanese elements like mirin and soy sauce, showcasing a fusion of culinary traditions. The use of premium ingredients like beef tenderloin and shiitake mushrooms…

• Seasonal note

  This Beef & Veggie Hearty Arabic Stew is perfect for the colder months as it is a warming and hearty dish. The vegetables like Napa cabbage and mushrooms are typically in season during the fall and winter, making it a great seasonal choice.

• Health note

  This stew is a good source of protein, providing 25g per serving from beef, tofu, and eggs. It is also rich in fiber (6g) and vitamins A, C, and K from the vegetables. However, it is high in sodium (1600mg) and saturated fat (5g), so it's important to consume it in moderation.