Grillades and Grits

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds beef top round, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 pound veal top round, cut into 2-inch pieces
Essence
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 cups chopped onions
1 cup chopped bell peppers
1 cup chopped celery
2 cups chopped, peeled, and seeded tomatoes
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
5 bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup dry red wine
Salt and cayenne
Fresh black pepper
3 tablespoons chopped green onions
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Baked cheese grits

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the beef and veal together. Season the meat with Essence. Add the flour and toss the meat completely. Turn the meat out onto a floured surface and with meat mallet, lightly pound the meat. Turn the meat over and lightly pound the meat again. In a large cast-iron pot, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, add the meat. Brown the meat evenly on both sides for 5 to 6 minutes. Add the onions, bell peppers, and celery. Season with salt and cayenne. Continue stirring, scraping the bottom and sides of the pot to loosen any browned particles. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the vegetables are wilted. Add the tomatoes and garlic. Cook, stirring often and scraping the bottom and sides of the pot for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the bay leaves, thyme, oregano, basil, broth and wine. Season with salt, cayenne, and black pepper. Bring the liquid to a simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 1 1/2 hours or until the meat is very tender. Remove the bay leaves and serve with baked cheese grits.

Yield: 6 servings