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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Cooking the Mince: Browning the ground meat properly enhances the dish’s flavor by creating a savory base.
- Thickening with Flour: Adding flour helps to thicken the sauce, ensuring the mixture has a hearty, stew-like consistency.
- Simmering: Allowing the mixture to simmer helps to blend the flavors and achieve a rich, cohesive dish.
Benefits
- Nutritional Value: This dish provides a good balance of protein from the ground beef and vitamins from the onions and herbs.
- Versatility: French onion savoury mince can be served in various ways – over mashed potatoes, with pasta, or even as a filling for pies.
- Comfort Food: The rich, savory flavors make it a perfect comfort food, ideal for cold weather or when you need a hearty meal.
- 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.