Lesso e Pearà - New Orleans Style

Ingredients

In this New Orleans adaptation, we infuse the dish with the vibrant flavors of Creole cuisine. Instead of using traditional Italian spices and herbs, we incorporate a blend of Creole seasonings, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. The rice is cooked with the "holy trinity" of Creole cooking - onions, bell peppers, and celery - to add depth and complexity to the dish. This adaptation embraces the bold and spicy flavors of New Orleans while still maintaining the essence of the original Lesso e Pearà. We alse have the original recipe for Lesso e Pearà, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck roast 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the spicy rice: For the spicy rice:
• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. 4.
   Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices.
5. 5.
   Return the seared beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. 6.
   While the beef is simmering, prepare the spicy rice. In a separate pot, combine the long-grain rice, chicken broth, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried parsley, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
7. 7.
   Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the slow-cooked beef over a bed of spicy rice, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef chuck roast — For the best results, choose a well-marbled chuck roast to ensure tender and flavorful meat.
• Paprika — Opt for a high-quality smoked paprika to add a smoky depth to the dish.
• Cayenne pepper — Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Long-grain rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains.
• Hot sauce — Use your favorite brand of hot sauce to add a tangy and spicy kick to the rice.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the beef overnight in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and Creole seasoning before searing.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the shredded beef from the pot and simmer the cooking liquid until it reduces to your desired consistency.
• Serve the Lesso e Pearà with a side of crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Feel free to add additional vegetables such as okra or tomatoes to the dish for added flavor and texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and make for a delicious next-day meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Lesso e Pearà with a generous portion of the spicy rice on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Lesso e Pearà in a deep serving dish, allowing the rich and flavorful sauce to surround the shredded beef. Place the spicy rice in a separate bowl or mold it into a mound for an appealing visual contrast.