Beef Stroganoff, a meat dish in sour cream and tomato sauce, has entered cookbooks around the world thanks to the Russians. Although most historians give credit to Count Alexander G. Stroganoff—a prominent representative of the Stroganoff family—for the its name, there are many “myths” associated with the dish. According to one legend, when Count Stroganoff was stationed in Siberia, his cook discovered that the meat was frozen. In order to eat the beef, it had to be chopped into very small pieces.
The following recipe was developed by Grand Circle's Corporate Executive Chef Christian Seegatz and his talented culinary team—and when you cruise the legendary Volga with us during our Russia Revealed River Cruise, you'll have the opportunity to savor this signature dish.
Beef Stroganoff
Stroganoff is normally served over noodles or rice, but this particular dish is served over fried or boiled potatoes and sautéed vegetables.
Ingredients
(For beef)
1 pound beef
1 medium (or 2 small) onion, minced
3 Tbs. flour
2 Tbs. butter
1 10 oz can beef broth
1 Tbs. tomato paste
1 cup sour cream
Clove of garlic, chopped
Parsley, minced
Dill sprigs
Salt, pepper
Preparation
Beef:
- Pound a lump of fillet beef with mallet until thin.
- Cut into strips about 2 to 2 1/2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut them crosswise into 1/4–1/2 inch bits.
- Add salt and pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced onions and continue to sauté until the onions are translucent.
- Remove meat and onions from pan with slotted spoon. Leave drippings in pan.
Sauce:
- Add butter to pan drippings.
- Blend in the flour.
- Add the tomato paste.
- Stir in broth over medium heat until sauce is bubbling.
- Return meat and onions to pan.
- Stir in sour cream.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add a chopped clove of garlic, minced parsley, and dill sprigs. Stir and bring to a boil.
Serve the dish hot with fried or boiled potatoes cut into slices and sautéed green peas, fresh cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Serves: 4
Try this creamy Stroganoff and other popular Russian dishes on our Russia Revealed: Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise.