Bresaola of Irish silverside with blackcurrants, ricotta and rocket

Recipe by RUSSELL BATEMAN

Bresaola is a type of cured salt beef originating in Lombardy, Italy and is commonly served as part of an antipasti platter. Although a little time-consuming, curing your own meats at home is really rewarding and Russell Bateman’s Italian starter recipe is a fantastic place to start if you have never done it before. Brining the beef in a spiced red wine liquor first gives the meat its distinct taste, which is delicious sliced wafer thin and served with a blackcurrant dressing and homemade ricotta.

by Irish Beef / June 22, 2018

Step 1

To prepare the brine, combine all of the ingredients into a large pan and place over a high heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and set aside to infuse until completely cool.

Step 2

Once the brine has cooled add the silverside to the pan, ensuring that it is completely covered by the liquid. Place in the fridge for 2 weeks, turning the beef over every 3 days to allow even brining. When turning the beef, wear gloves or use a sterilised spoon to ensure the brine does not become contaminated.

Step 3

After 2 weeks, remove the silverside from the brine and pat the meat dry with a clean cloth. Wrap the meat in a muslin cloth and hang the beef in the fridge or a well-ventilated cool place – between 4°C–12°C – for 2 weeks.

Step 4

The night before serving, make the ricotta. Place the milk, cream and salt in a heavy-bottomed pan and place over a medium heat. Using a thermometer, heat until the liquid reaches 82°C and stir through the buttermilk.

Step 5

Increase the heat to 95°C and continue to cook until the curds have separated from the liquid whey. Strain the mixture through a colander, then place the curds in a muslin cloth and hang over a bowl overnight to remove all excess liquid.

Step 6

Once drained, remove from the cloth and place in a bowl. Mix through with a little truffle oil to taste and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 160°C/gas mark 3. To make the croutons, carefully slice the baguette as finely as possible and arrange the slices on a baking tray. Brush with a little olive oil then bake for 10–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and leave on a wire rack to cool.

Step 8

To make the dressing, combine the honey and blackcurrant juice into a heavy-bottomed pan and place over a medium heat. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and allow to reduce by about half, until you have roughly 125g of liquid. Remove from the heat and whisk in the olive oil, then set aside until ready to serve.

Step 9

To serve, remove the beef from the muslin cloth and slice as finely as possible. Arrange the slices on plates and alongside a few spoonfuls of the ricotta, topping with the croutons and blackcurrant dressing. Garnish with rocket leaves and edible flowers and serve immediately.

Recipe courtesy of www.greatbritishchefs.com