Hearty Beef Stew - A Timeless Comfort in a Bowl

 

Indulge in the rich flavors of a timeless classic with our Hearty Beef Stew recipe. This dish, found in kitchens around the globe, offers warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and aromatic herbs come together in a symphony of flavors that will soothe your soul and satisfy your hunger. Follow our simple steps to create a dish that's perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (about 900g) beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 3 potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil or olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add the beef stew meat to the pot in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, then remove it from the pot and set it aside. This step adds flavor to the stew.

3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Return the browned beef stew meat to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

5. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.

6. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

7. After an hour, add the chopped carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Stir to combine.

8. Cover the pot again and let the stew simmer for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through.

9. If you'd like a thicker stew, you can make a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of flour with a bit of water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the stew and let it simmer for a few more minutes until thickened.

10. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. If using frozen peas, add them to the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

11. Once the stew is done cooking, remove the bay leaves and discard them.

12. Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your comforting and delicious meal!