Fricandó Amb Moixernons - Beef With Wild Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 2 lbs rump roast or chuck roast or skirt steaks, cut in slices thick
• 1 cup flour
• sea salt
• pepper, ground
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 sprigs fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh marjoram or 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 pinches nutmeg, freshly grated
• 1 ounce bittersweet chocolate
• 2 ounces dried wild mushrooms, soaked in water to cover overnight
• 3 cups beef stock

Directions

1. 1

   Place the flour in a shallow bowl, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Lightly dredge the beef slices on both sides in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.

2. 2

   In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or flameproof ceramic baking dish over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Working in batches if necessary, add the beef and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to a plate with a slotted spoon. Reserve the pot with the remaining oil.

3. 3

   Next, make a sofregit. If using fresh oregano, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary sprigs, tie them in a bundle with kitchen string and set aside. Return the pot to medium heat, add the onions, and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Cut the tomatoes in half and, using the large holes of a grater-shredder, grate the pulp directly into the pot. Discard the skins. Add the garlic. When the vegetables are cooked, after about 4 minutes, add the wine. Add the gerb bundle or dried herbs and the bay leaf and nutmeg. Then grate the chocolate directly into the pot. Simmer over medium heat until the ingredients begin to form a sauce, about 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Drain the mushrooms in a sieve ined with cheesecloth, reserving the liquid, and add to the pot. Return the beef to the pot with any juices. Add the stock and enough of the mushroom-shoaking liquid to cover the beef. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

5. 5

   Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and cook until the beef is thoroughly tender and the sauce is thick and concerntrated, about 1 hour. If using fresh herbs, remove and discard the herb bundle, and then discard the bay leaf. Transfer to a warmed serving dish or serve in the Dutch oven.