Advent Day 23: Beef Stroganoff

We all know the story of The Prodigal Son, and the feasting and celebration to be had when the younger son returned to the family.  "But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate."  (Luke 15:22-24)  While the younger son had been profligate, and spent all of his inheritance, he had come to his senses and at least returned to his family.  The realization of the consequences he suffered from his choices was a grace from God, and the hospitality shown him by his father was certainly more than he ever expected. 

BEEF STROGANOFF

(From The Pioneer Woman)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound Sirloin Steak, Cut Into Cubes
• Kosher Salt And Black Pepper To Taste
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1/2 whole Large Onion, Finely Diced
• 2 whole Carrots, Finely Diced
• 8 ounces, weight Cremini Or White Button Mushrooms, Stemmed And Halved
• 1/2 cup Brandy
• 2 cups Beef Stock
• 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream, Room Temperature
• 1 teaspoon (heaping) Dijon Mustard
• Cooked Egg Noodles, For Serving
• Minced Parsley, For Serving

DIRECTIONS

1. Season the steak with salt and pepper, then heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add half the meat to the pan and brown it quickly, about 2 minutes. Remove the first batch to a bowl and cook the rest of the meat. Remove and set all the meat aside.
2. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan and add the onion, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook until the mixture is deep golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the brandy and add 2 cups of the stock. Stir, scrape the bottom of the pan, and turn the heat to medium-high. Cook to reduce the liquid by about a third, 3 to 4 minutes. 
3. In a small pitcher, make a slurry by mixing the remaining 1/4 cup stock and the cornstarch with a fork. Pour the slurry into the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the heat. Stir in the sour cream and Dijob. Add the beef and stir over low heat until the mixture is nice and piping hot. Taste and adjust seasonings as you like. 
4. Serve over cooked noodles and sprinkle with parsley.