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| Hearty & Delicious! |
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| Root vegetables poached in flavorful broth |
This week’s French Fridays with Dorie challenge is for Boeuf à la Ficelle (Beef on a String) which consists of vegetables and Beef Tenderloin Roast poached in homemade beef broth. I have to admit to being skeptical about this dish having eaten bland Midwestern Boiled Dinners once, or twice…but, one of the things I love about participating in this group is that it pushes us out of our comfort zones.
Despite my reservations, this proved to be a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal! The broth was infused with a variety of vegetables and herbs. Oh, and the cooked vegetables are wonderful. And, yes, Trevor & Mary, John & I finally tried the ugliest root vegetable of all, Celery Root! Which, despite its prehistoric appearance, turns out to be creamy and delicious! I always say that we grow the nation’s supply of celery in Ventura County, so it’s about time we tried Celery Root. I actually bought two, so we’ll be making up the Celery Root Puree that we chickened out on when our fellow Doristas made it almost two years ago. See, we can be mature every now & then!
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| An interesting technique that yields a wonderful result! |
Dorie suggests that Boeuf à la Ficelle is just as well suited to a large dinner party as an intimate meal. I have to agree – much of the work can be done ahead of time and the meat cooks so quickly. Boeuf à la Ficelle is also great for a group because the tender meat is cooked rare but can be cooked further by ladling the hot broth over the sliced beef. Everything about this meal was wonderful and it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy it.
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| Hendry’s Beach, Santa Barbara |
I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would too!
What a fun dish Susan. It is funny how things we’re sure we won’t like surprise us. I love that this can be prepared in advancel
great idea with tying the string to the wooden spoon! this was interesting, will give it another go soon!
I was surprised by this too – really yummy.
Glad you enjoyed this! I wasn’t very impressed by mine, but whattaya gonna do?
First, Susan, maturity is over-rated. However, I am glad you had John finally took the plunge on little Miss Homely Veg. Paying two is almost more than necessary! Now think how delicious Celery Root would be with a little Lester-liquor added. I am putting this dish together this mouth. I also thought it would be a little bland (thinking that horseradish would be needed) so I am glad that you both approved.
This was much better than I thought it would be. Enjoy the celery root – I was a little unsure of it at first, but now I am really a fan
I am making this recipe at a later time, when there are more people home to enjoy it with me.
OK, I love celery root. My husband recently cooked it with basmati rice and a little fresh dill…delicious!
Glad you didn’t chicken out and made this this week! 🙂 Love your pick of Santa Barbara!
Yes, I was thinking boiled dinner too. It was quite the opposite, something special. I didn’t realize you never tried celery root before. I love the flavor. Glad you are converted. Love the beach shot at the end of your post. Just what the eyes need when everything I’m looking at this week is icy white.
Celery root is truly the ugliest of them all, but I glad you gave it a go. I like it but my family is not so crazy about it. It is pretty good mixed with other root veggies… lovely looking meal. Glad you enjoyed it.
I enjoyed the celery root in this dish but not the puree… cant wait to see what your response to the puree isi! Great looking boeuf! 🙂 Have a good weekend!
This was a really wonderful meal that all of us enjoyed! I really like celery root…ugly or not!! Glad this one was a winner for you, Susan!
Great comfort food! I, too, love celery root, especially mashed with potatoes! It is so good with bee and lamb! ~ David
Glad you enjoyed and fun that you tried the celery root. We were shocked at how great it was when we made the puree- my whole family went nuts for that puree. In fact it is one of our favorites and one of the biggest FFWD surprises for us. The beef looks just fab but I am genuinely distracted by the beautiful beach shot. We got 4 more inches of snow yesterday and another storm is on the way…..
I have a double celery root too- going to make a slaw with the second one I think. This was far better than I anticipated. Glad you enjoyed it too.
This was surprisingly good! I love that this group makes us try things we are inclined to stay away from – like poaching perfectly good beef in broth.
Gorgeous photo of the beach in Santa Barbara!