Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs stew beef, cut into cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 large onions, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons flour
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 cups red wine
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 4 potatoes, diced
– 4 carrots, diced
– 1 stalk celery, diced
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them until they are nicely seared on all sides.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are softened and the beef is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add the beef broth, red wine, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the potatoes, carrots, and celery to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaves
Beef stew has been a staple dish for centuries, with its origins appearing in many cultures from around the world including China, India, Europe, and the Americas. It likely began as a way to cook tougher cuts of meat and make them more palatable by slow-cooking, a method that still remains an important part of making a great beef stew. Over time, recipes have been adapted to include meats, vegetables, and seasonings that are available in various regions.
Tips for making a great beef stew:
1. Start by selecting a high-quality cut of beef and tenderize with a mallet-style tenderizer for best results.
2. Using starchy vegetables like potatoes and carrots in your stew will help thicken the broth and make the stew more filling.
3. Brown the beef in a large skillet before adding it to the slow cooker to add flavor and prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
4. Use a flavorful broth, like beef, chicken, or vegetable stock, to increase the flavor of your stew.
5. Add herbs and spices, like thyme, bay leaves, and parsley, to give your stew added flavor.
6. If desired, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to enhance the flavor.
7. Cook the stew on low heat for at least 6-8 hours to obtain tender beef.
Techniques for making beef stew:
1. Use a good-quality knife to dice the beef into bite-sized cubes.
2. Saute the beef cubes in a hot pan with a little oil to create a caramelized exterior.
3. Add the diced vegetables to the pan and sauté for an additional few minutes.
4. Next, add the beef stock and herbs to the pot to create a flavorful broth.
5. Place the beef cubes in the slow cooker.
6. Add the vegetables, tomato paste (if using), and any additional seasonings to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
7. Cook on low for at least 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender.
8. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread.