Bresaola

Bresaola is air-dried, salted beef that has been aged for up to three months until it becomes hard and turns dark red. You'll need a bucket and 3 metres of muslin cloth for this recipe.

• prep

  20 minutes

• difficulty

  Mid

Ingredients

• 1 kg topside beef, excess fat trimmed
• 7 juniper berries
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 litres red wine (can be good cooking wine, such as claret)
• 4 tbsp sea salt flakes

Chilling time 2 weeks

Hanging time 2 weeks

Makes 1 kg

Instructions

Cut the beef into long strips of about 8–10 cm, to form a long rectangular shape. In a metal bowl, combine the juniper berries, bay leaves, garlic, thyme, rosemary and olive oil.

Place the beef into the bowl and rub the mixture all over. Place the beef and remaining mixture in a bucket. Cover with red wine and place a plate over the top to submerge the beef completely. (The oil will float to the top and act as a seal.) Refrigerate for 2 weeks.

Take the beef out and rub the sea salt all over it. Wrap the beef in muslin and tie with string. Hang the beef in a cool, well-ventilated area for about 2 weeks at 14°C. (If you live in a hotter climate, put the beef in a fridge and allow a little longer for the curing process – up to 4 weeks.)

Unwrap the bresaola and thinly slice. Serve with good-quality olive oil.

Cook's Notes

Oven temperatures are for conventional; if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C. | We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml; 1 tablespoon equals 20 ml; 1 cup equals 250 ml. | All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed. | All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified. | All eggs are 55-60 g, unless specified.