This is my favorite (and healthier) version of a traditional Russian dish.
Beef Stroganoff is one of those traditional Russian dishes for which you can find an almost endless number of varieties and versions. This is my favorite. Typically beef Stroganoff is served with mashed potatoes so it’s a great comfort food, but it’s also really heavy. By using lean beef tenderloin, replacing the mashed potatoes with farro (a high-fiber food) and serving it with sliced avocado (a super food), you get all the comfort of eating beef Stroganoff without the guilt of overdoing it with heavy foods high in carbohydrates and triglycerides.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef tenderloin
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 cup uncooked farro
- 1 avocado
- salt and pepper to taste
Method
Slice beef against the grain into cubes (or, more traditionally, strips). Add salt and pepper and let it sit in the fridge for about an hour.
Sauté onion in melted butter until soft (about 5 minutes).
Push onion to the side of the pan and brown the beef.
Mix sour cream, tomato paste, and mustard, add mixture to the beef and onions, and mix well.
Lower the heat, cover the pan, and cook until ready. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the beef, desired softness, and how much time you have. You can let it cook as little as 20 minutes if the beef is thin (just make sure the beef is cooked through), but if I have time I’ll let mine cook for up to an hour and a half.
Cook farro according to directions on the package.
Serve with avocado slices.
Приятного аппетита! (Priyatnova appetita! Russian for ‘Bon Appetit!’)
I am a follower of Christ, wife of a pastor, mother of a strong-willed little boy, and native of Russia. In addition to cooking and baking, I enjoy drinking coffee and relaxing on the beach.