Friday, February 6, 2009

Dijon Beef Stroganoff-Penny Pinching Style

I'm a little reluctant to post this dinner because, well, it doesn't look pretty. But shouldn't it still be invited to the dance? It has other charms, cross my heart. What it lacks in good looks, it makes up for in inner beauty: Think hearty beef and mushrooms in a creamy sour cream sauce made extra savory with dijon mustard. And it's easy on the pocketbook too. Normally beef stroganoff is made with the most supple cuts of fillet mignon. My Miss Congeniality stroganoff is made from humble stew meat, made lovingly tender by a long simmer. (If you're around the house you can simmer it in on the stovetop; if you'll be away, the crockpot works just as well. ) See, it's a cheap date, fun, and full of tender loving kindness.
And, ahem, contributing to dinner's unassuming appearance: that pile of timid lima beans. An explanation: my boy charge had a science experiment involving four lima beans this week. Unless you are like Jack in the Beanstalk, you will not have four beans lying around the house, and you will have to buy the whole bag of limas. And then what will you do? So after we scientifically identified the cotyledon, future plant, and seed coat we cooked up the rest and ate them alongside our bashful stroganoff. And the charges ate them too. Whaddya know? Maybe next we should do a science experiment with brussel sprouts....
Have a great weekend!
Money Saving Tips:
Stew meat is a great way to savor tender beef on a budget. Stroganoff is traditionally served over egg noodles, but you could use pasta, couscous, or brown rice, as I've done. Button, cremini, or portabello mushrooms would work well here, so choose whichever one you can find the cheapest this week.
Dijon Beef Stroganoff-Penny Pinching Style
Estimated Cost: $7.00 for four hearty servings
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
1 lb. stew meat, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 tablespoons flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups beef broth
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoon dijon mustard (my favorite is horseradish Dijon)
rice or noodles, for serving
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, about four minutes. Add the beef and sprinkle over the flour. Cook, stirring until nicely browned. Add garlic, mushrooms, and thyme. Saute for 2 minutes. Stir in beef broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours. (The mixture can be transferred to a crock pot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours-or longer if you'll be away.) Just before serving, stir in the sour cream and dijon. DO NOT BOIL. Warm through and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over rice or noodles.
Up Next:
Getting Started with Valentine's Day Dinner

22 comments:

Allie said...

I've almost given up on finding a good stroganoff recipe so this is perfect timing! This sounds delish! I can't wait to try it.

Netts Nook said...

Thanks for the recipe it sounds great.

gigi said...

My whole family loves lima beans. We can eat them with anything. Stroganoff doesn't sound bad either.

I am so in love with the Tomato soup recipe that I have made it 3 times now! I've used the tomatoes I put up this past summer and it has been wonderful! Thank you so much.

Debbie said...

I have been wanting to make a stoganoff soon. This looks great. I may try it in my slow cooker..

Catherine said...

You're going to give that stroganoff a comples. I'm a vegetarian and I don't think it looks so unattractive! I can't believe your kids ate the lima beans. Maybe I should make the stroganoff just so my kids will eat the lima beans!

Rosie said...

Great recipe for stroganoff it really sounds lovely.

Rosie x

Beth (jamandcream) said...

I love stroganoff - great recipe

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

What a great recipe Prudy! We love stroganoff around here. I will be making that soon!

Jen

Marjie said...

So many of the best meals are not very photogenic. We shouldn't exclude them from the party! I've never tried stroganoff with dijon in it; it sounds good!

Proud Italian Cook said...

Prudy, Congratulations!! Woo Hoo!
Today while I was at Borders flipping through a new magazine with Mario Batali on the cover (I forgot the name of it!) I saw that your blog was featured in it. How fantastic for you! Well deserved!

Sharon said...

I always struggle with what to do with those yummy meals that don't photograph well. I'm glad you posted this b/c it sounds amazing to me!

Christiana said...

I love stroganoff, and this recipe sounds delicious!

Michal said...

i adore stroganoff-- it was always what i picked for my birthday dinner growing up. my husband doesn't care for it (nor does alli's). so i'm forced to make it when he's out of town or at a business dinner--and to have alli over!

The Farmer's Wife said...

Hi there! I haven't been here for awhile...shame on me! I love your recent recipes...I'm taking notes!

Anonymous said...

sometimes i stop by here just ot hear the great ol classic songs! especially since it's so unexpected! but this straganoff is very frugal and that's just how to do things these days!

Anna M. said...

You say it doesn't look pretty, but I think it looks delicious! =)

Anonymous said...

I love following your blog, I just wish you would post consistently like you used to. It seems like you are neglecting your blog lately!

vanillasugarblog said...

Oh I've made plenty a sauce that was never ever going to be photogenic, but tasted perfect. So, I can only imagine how good this tastes.

Kaylee said...

I love your blog and just gave you the Lemonade Award! It's on my blog--cookingcollection.blogspot.com!

Prudy said...

Anonymous:
Thanks for the gentle reminder. I actually love blogging, but sometimes my real life gets in the way. And the truth is, I'm not as good about getting up really really early in the winter. I'm glad to know that you've missed my posts and I commit to be better!

Swan said...

For any of you who ever thought it was strange to enjoy your lima beans, you should read this great children's book "A Bad Case of Stripes" by David Shannon. You'll never think twice about downing those humble, creamy green beauties again. BTW, the stroganoff is delish!

Prudy said...

Thanks Susan. I love that book. Our copy is so ripped up, I think I just might have to go out and get a new one.