Savor the Season: Rustic Beef Stew Recipe

Savor the Season: Rustic Beef Stew Recipe

A hearty beef stew is the perfect comfort food for those chilly days when you crave warmth and satisfaction. Crafting a homemade beef stew is easier than you think, and the results are simply delectable. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own mouthwatering rustic beef stew:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (900 grams) of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Freshly chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:

• In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Set the browned meat aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and aromatic.

3. Deglaze the Pot:

• If you choose to use red wine, pour it into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer for a couple of minutes.

4. Add the Rest of the Ingredients:

• Return the browned beef to the pot.
• Pour in the beef broth and add the chopped carrots, cubed potatoes, diced celery, bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
• Season generously with salt and black pepper.

5. Simmer and Cook:

• Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
• Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef becomes tender, and the vegetables are thoroughly cooked. Stir occasionally.

6. Add Frozen Peas (Optional):

• If you prefer, add the frozen peas to the stew during the final 5–10 minutes of cooking. This ensures they are heated through while retaining their vibrant color and a hint of crunch.

7. Final Touch:

• Remove the bay leaves from the stew.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

• Ladle the hearty rustic beef stew into bowls.
• Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for added freshness.
• Serve piping hot, ideally accompanied by a slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up the delectable broth.

Rustic beef stew is the epitome of a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for a cozy dinner. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can effortlessly create a flavorful stew that's bound to warm your heart and please your palate. So, whether it's a special occasion or a simple family dinner, savor the rich flavors of this rustic beef stew alongside your loved ones.