Tongue, also known as beef tongue or ox tongue, is a flavorful and tender cut of meat that is often overlooked in today’s culinary scene. However, this unique protein can be transformed into a mouthwatering dish when cooked with care.

One delicious way to enjoy tongue is by oven-baking it with a rich wine sauce that compliments its robust flavors. In this article, we will explore a detailed recipe and guide you through the process of creating a delectable oven-baked tongue with wine sauce.

Ingredients:

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:.

– 1 whole beef tongue, properly cleaned and trimmed.

– 2 tablespoons olive oil.

– 1 onion, finely chopped.

– 2 carrots, peeled and diced.

– 2 celery stalks, diced.

– 4 garlic cloves, minced.

– 2 cups red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot).

– 2 cups beef broth.

– 2 bay leaves.

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme.

– Salt and pepper to taste.

– Fresh parsley, for garnish.

Preparation:

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the preparation stage:.

Step 1: Preparing the Tongue

1. Start by thoroughly rinsing the beef tongue under cold water. This will help remove any impurities or excess blood.

2. Place the tongue in a large pot and cover it with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil.

3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the tongue for about 2 hours, or until it becomes tender.

4. Once cooked, remove the tongue from the pot and allow it to cool slightly.

5. Carefully peel off the outer layer of skin from the tongue. It should come off easily if cooked properly. Trim any excess fat or gristle.

Step 2: Wine Sauce

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

3. Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any flavorful bits stuck to it.

4. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

5. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

6. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

7. Remove the skillet from the heat and strain the sauce. Set it aside as we move on to the final step.

Step 3: Oven-Baking the Tongue

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place the peeled and trimmed tongue into a baking dish or cast-iron skillet.

3. Pour the wine sauce over the tongue, ensuring that it is fully covered.

4. Cover the dish or skillet with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal.

5. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 2 hours.

6. Every 30 minutes, baste the tongue with the wine sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.

7. After 2 hours of baking, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the tongue develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

8. Once cooked, remove the tongue from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This will make it easier to slice.

9. To serve, thinly slice the tongue against the grain and arrange it on a serving platter.

10. Drizzle some of the remaining wine sauce over the sliced tongue and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoying the Dish:

Oven-baked tongue with wine sauce is a dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions to complete your culinary experience:.

Serving Suggestions:

– Creamy mashed potatoes.

– Roasted seasonal vegetables.

– Crusty bread or rolls.

– Tangy horseradish sauce or mustard.

Conclusion:

Oven-baked tongue with wine sauce is an impressive and delicious dish that showcases the unique flavors and tenderness of beef tongue.

By following this simple recipe and taking your time with the cooking process, you can create a show-stopping meal that will impress your family and friends. Don’t let the unconventional nature of tongue deter you from trying this extraordinary cut of meat. Elevate your culinary skills and indulge in the rich and flavorful goodness of oven-baked tongue with wine sauce.