National Dish San Marino: Stracotto di Manzo (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Stracotto di Manzo, the rich, slow-braised beef that captures the warm, rustic heart of San Marino’s cooking. Simmered gently for hours in a robust red wine with garlic, bay and fragrant herbs, the meat turns meltingly tender and soaks up every drop of the deeply flavoured sauce. It is the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma and brings everyone to the table — perfect for a festive gathering or a comforting Sunday lunch.
About Stracotto di Manzo
Stracotto di Manzo is a traditional beef dish that reflects the taste and culinary heritage of San Marino. Thanks to the slow braise in a full-bodied red wine and aromatic herbs, the beef becomes exceptionally tender and juicy. This dish is not only a cornerstone of Sammarinese cooking, but also a firm favourite at celebrations and special occasions. It brings together the flavours of the region and offers a real treat for anyone who loves Italian cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 500 g beef (such as brisket)
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery sticks
- 250 ml red wine
- 2–3 garlic cloves
- 1–2 bay leaves
- Thyme and rosemary (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for Stracotto di Manzo, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the beef. Ideally, use fresh, top-quality meat from a local butcher. Fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs also make a decisive contribution to the flavour, so it is worth choosing seasonal produce. A full-bodied red wine is essential too, as it enriches the dish with its depth and complexity.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Stracotto di Manzo begins with the careful preparation of the ingredients. The vegetables should be cut into small dice to ensure they cook evenly. The meat is cut into large pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper. It also helps to have the herbs and spices ready to hand, so that everything is within reach once the braising begins.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a large braising pot.
- Brown the pieces of beef on all sides until they develop a lovely golden crust.
- Add the chopped vegetables and the garlic, and sauté briefly.
- Pour the red wine into the pot and bring it to the boil to cook off the alcohol.
- Add the herbs and bay leaves, cover the pot, and let the meat braise over low heat for at least 2–3 hours.
- Check the dish every 30 minutes and turn the meat to ensure even cooking.
- Once the meat is tender, lift it out of the pot and reduce the liquid over high heat until it thickens.
- Serve the Stracotto di Manzo with the sauce and a side of your choice.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Stracotto di Manzo is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, as long as you make sure all the ingredients you use really do meet those criteria. For example, use a gluten-free stock if you would like to add some. Take care that the seasonings and the red wine contain no hidden sources of gluten. That way you can be sure your dish is suitable for every guest at the table.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan or vegetarian version of Stracotto di Manzo, you can replace the beef with jackfruit or mushrooms. These ingredients have a similar texture and mimic the eating experience well. Use vegan red wine and vegetable stock to intensify the aromas. With the same herbs and the same slow cooking process, the dish still turns out hearty and full of character.
More tips and tricks
A few extra tips can help you perfect your Stracotto di Manzo. Make sure to pat the meat dry before browning it, so that it develops a beautiful crust. To bring even more depth to the flavour, you can also use beef stock rather than red wine alone. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique taste.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
You can easily adapt Stracotto di Manzo to suit your personal preferences. Add more vegetables such as peppers or courgettes, for instance, to make the dish more colourful. Play with the spices too, and reach for chilli or paprika for a hotter note. The key is to shape the recipe so that it matches your own taste, so you can enjoy the perfect dish. It pairs beautifully with a spoonful of soft Polenta con Funghi to soak up the sauce.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have every ingredient to hand, there are a few alternatives you can use. Instead of red wine, you can also use grape juice or unsweetened pomegranate juice to add a sweeter note. The beef can likewise be replaced with other meats such as lamb, much as a tender Spezzatino di Vitello leans on veal. Let your creativity run free and find the best substitutions for your kitchen.
Drink pairing ideas
A hearty dish like Stracotto di Manzo is best matched with a robust red wine. For a particularly flavourful combination, it is worth serving the same wine you used for cooking alongside the meal. Alternatives could include a hearty beer or a full-bodied Merlot. You might also try an alcohol-free option, such as a good-quality grape juice blend, to bring the flavours together perfectly.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of Stracotto di Manzo can noticeably enhance the whole dining experience. Serve the dish on warmed plates for a pleasant temperature. Use fresh herbs as a garnish to add a splash of colour. You can also plate the dish with sides such as polenta or fresh bread to create a festive atmosphere, much as you would with a rich Gnocchi di Patate al Ragù.
A bit of history
Stracotto di Manzo has its origins in the Italian tradition of slow cooking, found across many regions of the country. In San Marino this dish is especially popular and symbolises the rustic, warm-hearted cooking of the region. Historically, it was often served at festive occasions or large family gatherings. Preparing Stracotto di Manzo is not merely a culinary practice but an expression of community and tradition, at the heart of Sammarinese cuisine.
More recipe ideas
- Spezzatino di Manzo
- Polenta con Ragù
- Pappardelle al Cinghiale
- Bruschetta al Pomodoro
- Gnocchi di Patate al Ragù
Summary: Stracotto di Manzo
Stracotto di Manzo is an outstanding dish of Sammarinese cooking, prized for its tender, juicy beef. The long braise in red wine and aromatic herbs allows a unique development of flavour. Whether for festive occasions or a cosy family dinner, this dish brings the true taste of Italy straight to your table. Let yourself be enchanted by the warm atmosphere and the aromatic variety of this culinary heritage!
