French Onion Savoury Mince

French Onion Savoury Mince

History

French onion savoury mince is a delightful fusion dish that combines the rich flavors of traditional French onion soup with the hearty, comforting qualities of savoury mince. French onion soup, with its origins in 18th-century France, is known for its caramelized onions and deep, savory broth. Savoury mince, a staple in British and Australian cuisines, is a versatile dish made with ground meat and vegetables. By blending these two culinary traditions, French onion savoury mince offers a unique and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or lamb)
• 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions:

• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. If the onions start to stick or brown too quickly, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.

1. Cook the Mince:

• Push the onions to one side of the skillet and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
• Stir the caramelized onions into the cooked mince.

1. Thicken the Mixture:

• Sprinkle the flour over the mince and onions. Stir well to combine and cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
• Gradually add the beef broth and water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

1. Season and Simmer:

• Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.

1. Finish and Serve:

• If using, sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the top and cover the skillet for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Methods

1. Caramelizing Onions: This process is crucial for developing the deep, sweet flavor that characterizes French onion dishes. Take your time and ensure the onions are slowly cooked to achieve a rich, golden color.
2. Cooking the Mince: Browning the ground meat properly enhances the dish’s flavor by creating a savory base.
3. Thickening with Flour: Adding flour helps to thicken the sauce, ensuring the mixture has a hearty, stew-like consistency.
4. Simmering: Allowing the mixture to simmer helps to blend the flavors and achieve a rich, cohesive dish.

Benefits

1. Nutritional Value: This dish provides a good balance of protein from the ground beef and vitamins from the onions and herbs.
2. Versatility: French onion savoury mince can be served in various ways – over mashed potatoes, with pasta, or even as a filling for pies.
3. Comfort Food: The rich, savory flavors make it a perfect comfort food, ideal for cold weather or when you need a hearty meal.
4. Economical: Made with affordable ingredients, this dish is budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a family.

Enjoy your French onion savoury mince! This dish combines the best of both French and British culinary traditions, creating a meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.