Beef stew is a delicious and hearty dish made with tender beef, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s a classic comfort food that is perfect for cold weather or anytime you’re craving a warming meal. Here’s a basic recipe for beef stew:
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds (900 grams) beef stew meat, cut into chunks
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. This helps to develop flavor in the stew. Remove the browned meat from the pot and set it aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot, and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften slightly.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir in the tomato paste, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally and check the seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
7. Once the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together, remove the bay leaf from the stew.
8. Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It pairs well with crusty bread or rice.
Feel free to customize your beef stew by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or peas. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade beef stew!