Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for coating beef)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can replace with more broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the beef: Pat the beef chunks dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, toss the beef with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Brown the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Deglaze the pot: Add the red wine (if using) and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the tomato paste and seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Let the tomato paste cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add beef and broth: Return the browned beef to the pot, along with the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
Add vegetables: After the beef has simmered, add the carrots and potatoes. Stir them into the stew, cover, and continue simmering for another 30-40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If desired, add balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor.
Garnish and serve: Remove the bay leaves and any sprigs of fresh herbs. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Tips:
- Slow Cooker Version: After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Thicker Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can remove 1/2 cup of broth, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and stir it back into the stew in the final 10 minutes of cooking.
Comments
Post a Comment