How to Make a Hearty Beef Stew: A Comforting Meal for Any Season

Beef Stew, a classic and comforting dish that brings together tender chunks of beef with an array of vegetables, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. This hearty recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or busy weekday dinners where you want to serve something warm and satisfying.

The preparation time required for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes, while the total cooking time spans around 3 hours. This dish yields four generous servings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped finely
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tsp tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional)
• 4 tbsp butter
• Lemon juice for serving (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat dry the beef with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper.

Add the beef in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan; brown on all sides until golden, then transfer to a plate.

Reduce heat to medium-low, add chopped onions, carrots, and garlic to the same pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Mix well before returning the browned beef along with any accumulated juices back into the pot. If desired, add herbs such as thyme or rosemary at this point.

Transfer the contents to your oven-safe casserole dish. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil or a lid and bake in preheated oven for about 2-3 hours. During cooking time, you can occasionally check on the consistency; adding more broth if necessary but keeping an eye out for desired thickness.

Once done, remove from oven and let it rest for around 10 minutes before serving. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, add potatoes, season with salt & pepper, and cook until they become tender - about 15-20 minutes. Serve the beef stew hot topped with fresh herbs or lemon juice as desired.

Pairing Suggestions

This rich and savory beef stew pairs excellently well with some crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or even over a bed of rice. If you're looking for an alcoholic beverage to complement your meal, consider red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon which complements the flavors beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, caramelizing onions before adding them into the stew will make all the difference!
• If you're short on time but still want some of that rich beef stew, consider using bone-in beef chunks which cook faster and retain more natural flavors.
• You can vary the vegetables according to what's in season or available locally. Try parsnips, rutabaga, or even turnips for a change!

Remember, while making beef stew, patience is key. Let the flavors meld together during slow cooking; this ensures that every bite has the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami notes.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

Note: Exact nutritional values depend on the ingredients used and their quantities. Here are approximate values for one serving:

• Calories: 500 kcal
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 500mg

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p>Enjoy your homemade beef stew, a delicious reminder of traditional cooking techniques that never go out of style!