To make Peposo, you will need a few key ingredients. First, you will need beef, preferably a tough cut that will break down during the long cooking process. Some people use beef shanks, but any tough cut will do. You will also need tomatoes, garlic, and red wine. And of course, you cannot forget the all-important black pepper that gives Peposo its unique flavor.
To make the stew, begin by heating some olive oil in a large pot. Add some garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant. Add the beef to the pot and brown it on all sides. This will take around 10 minutes. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Next, add a can of whole peeled tomatoes to the pot. Crush the tomatoes with your hands or a wooden spoon, and let them cook down for a few minutes. Add the beef back to the pot along with some red wine and enough water to cover the beef.
Now it is time to add the black pepper. This is the key ingredient that gives Peposo its flavor. You will need a lot of black pepper – around 2 tablespoons. Don’t be afraid to add more if you like your stew extra spicy. Give everything a good stir and let the stew simmer on low heat for a few hours, until the beef is tender and falling apart. This will take around 3-4 hours.
As the stew cooks, the beef will release its juices, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. The longer the stew cooks, the more the flavors will develop, so be patient. You can also add some chopped carrots, celery, and onions to the pot if you like, but this is optional.
Once the stew is done, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve Peposo with some crusty bread or over some pasta. The stew is also delicious on its own, with nothing else but a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a glass of red wine.
In conclusion, Peposo is a classic Tuscan dish that will warm you up on a cold winter day. The combination of beef, tomatoes, garlic, red wine, and black pepper creates a rich and hearty stew that you will want to make again and again. And best of all, it is a simple dish that anyone can make, even if you have never tried cooking traditional Tuscan food before. So, the next time you are in the mood for something hearty and delicious, give Peposo a try. You won’t be disappointed!