Beef Agglassato is another Sicilian dish and its said that it originated in Palermo. It uses the eye of the rump (round). The rump eye is a cut taken from the tip of the rump. It resembles the fillet but is a lot tougher than the fillet (loin).
This recipe is a great use of the rump eye. The Sicilian word “agglassato” means “glazed” and this dish is finished with an onion and wine glaze.
Ingredients
2 big onions, roughly chopped
750 gm (1.7 lb) beef eye rump (round)
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, whole
2 garlic cloves, halved
6 cherry tomatoes
1 tsp each salt and fresh ground black pepper
Water
80 ml – ⅓ cup white wine
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Method
Cut 4 slits, about 10-12mm (1/2 inch) deep evenly along the meat and fill them with the halved garlic cloves and half of the rosemary.
Pre-heat oven to 175C (350F).
Tie the meat with some kitchen string evenly in 4-5 places. This step is not essential, but it keeps the meat in shape while cooking and makes for a better final presentation. Season with salt and pepper by rubbing all over the beef and then set aside to rest for 10-15 minutes.
In a cast iron casserole pot heat the oil and when hot place the meat and seal all sides and ends. Remove from the heat and add the onions, bay leaves, rosemary, tomatoes, olive oil. Add enough water till its up to ¾ of the meat from the top.
Now cover the pot and place in the oven and cook for about 1 hour or until the meat is cooked through. Remove from the oven and place the meat on a warmed serving plate and cover with foil (tenting) and rest for 5-8 minutes.
If the water has not completely evaporated after this time place the pot on the stove on a medium heat and simmer until the sauce has reduced and is slightly think.
Add the meat back to the dish and add the white wine and simmer 3 minutes turning the meat to baste it. Remove from the heat and place the meat on a cutting board.
Slice it into thin, 0.5 cm (0.2 inch) slices.
Serve warm with the onion sauce on the top and balsamic fried mushrooms and rustic potato or sweet potato fries.
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