LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2021

BRAISING WITH WINE

Braising allows you to take a modest cut of meat (like lamb, beef and pork shoulder and chops; beef and lamb shanks; chicken thighs; beef brisket and various types of stewing meat) and turn it into something extraordinary. In its simplest form, braising sears meat in butter or oil to create a dark golden crust— this is where a lot of the flavour comes from. This browning process, called the Maillard reaction, is a chemical process that occurs when proteins and sugars are exposed to heat. Wine and stock (or water) are then added, and everything simmers on the stovetop or in the oven; the slow braise breaks down protein strands, and the wine’s acidity acts as a tender­ izer for tough tissue and balances unctuous sauces, which are rich in meat gelatin and fat. It takes patience, but the reward is a dish full of complex flavour, as aromatics, spices and other ingredients release their flavours. Err on the side of too-long rather than too- short cooking times: Fall-off-the-bone is always better than chewy!

Not just for meat Braising works wonders on vegetables and legumes as well. Slowly simmering beans and lentils or mushrooms and eggplant in a flavourful wine-based liquid makes them creamy and savoury.

Strewn Rogue’s Lot Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon VQA LCBO 65342, $14.95 This Bordeaux blend has loads of dark berry fruit and a touch of herbaceous character, making it a great partner for the braised lamb. Choose boldly flavoured red wines for the biggest flavour hit and complexity: They leave rich and delicious notes of berries, stone fruits and herbs. Wines for braising Most of the alcohol in wine cooks off in the braising process.

Lamb Shoulder Chops with Rosehip, Fig & Green Olives Recipe on page 179

Red House Wine Co. Cabernet Shiraz VQA LCBO 219030, $13.95

Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are two of the wine world’s boldest red grapes, providing lots of deep fruit flavour to the dish.

Root 1 Carmenere Colchagua LCBO 350546, $14.20

Dark plum and spice help add great flavour to the lamb, and a hint of bright acidity keeps things balanced.

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AUTUMN 2021 FOOD & DRINK