Beef stew

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the beef cubes in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the stew.
• Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Deglaze the Pot:

• If using, add the tomato paste and stir well, allowing it to cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Pour in a small amount of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.

4. Combine Ingredients:

• Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the remaining beef broth.
• Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, sliced celery, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Simmer the Stew:

• Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
• Allow it to simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally.

6. Add Peas (Optional):

• If using frozen peas or green beans, add them to the stew during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

7. Serve:

• Once the stew is done, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot, preferably with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Beef chuck is ideal for stew because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, as they can become tough.
2. Brown the Meat Properly: Browning the beef before simmering adds depth to the flavor of the stew. Don’t rush this step!
3. Adjust for Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
4. Make It Ahead of Time: Beef stew can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop and intensify overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
5. Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms based on your preferences or what’s in season.

Conclusion

Hearty Beef Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl that evokes feelings of home and warmth. With its rich flavors and tender beef, this stew is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed any day of the week. So gather your ingredients, embrace the cooking process, and enjoy a warm bowl of this classic beef stew that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!