Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for cooler weather. It’s made by simmering beef with vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. Here’s a classic recipe for a delicious beef stew:
Ingredients:
For the Stew:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can replace with additional beef broth)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add Tomato Paste:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
4. Deglaze the Pot:
- If using red wine, pour it into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add Beef and Broth:
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer the Stew:
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
7. Add Vegetables:
- Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot.
- Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
8. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of water to form a paste and stir it into the stew.
- Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the stew thickens to your liking.
9. Finish and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves.
- Stir in the frozen peas (if using) and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Optional Additions:
- Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms when cooking the onions for extra flavor.
- Root Vegetables: Incorporate other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for variation.
- Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like sage or tarragon for different flavor profiles.
Serve this beef stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
