Hearty Beef Stew Recipe: A Comforting Winter Delight

Beef stew is a beloved comfort food that warms the soul during cold winter days. This rich and hearty dish has been enjoyed by many for generations, offering a perfect balance of savory beef, tender vegetables, and a warm broth that satisfies any craving.

When it comes to preparing a delicious beef stew, there are several key elements you need to consider: selecting the right cuts of meat, knowing how to brown them properly before cooking, ensuring the vegetables are chopped in the correct size for even cooking, and simmering the dish long enough to develop deep flavors. Let's explore this recipe step by step.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat (flanken cut) - cut into small cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped finely
• 4 carrots, sliced thinly
• 3 celery sticks, sliced finely
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
• 2 cups water or beef stock
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Browning the Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, brown the beef in batches until golden on all sides.
2. Sweating the Vegetables: While the meat is browning, sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery with minced garlic until they start to soften. Add them along with thyme and bay leaf into the pot.
3. Cooking in Oven: Pour beef broth and water over the ingredients in the Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer and then transfer it all into your preheated oven for about 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
4. Filling Up the Stew: Stir in diced tomatoes towards the end of cooking time, making sure not to break them up too much so they can retain their shape. Let everything cook together another hour before serving.

Serving Suggestions & Nutrition Facts

Once your beef stew is ready, you may choose to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a more filling meal. Alternatively, enjoy it as a standalone dish paired with fresh greens and a salad of crisp lettuce. To make this recipe even healthier, consider using low-fat beef broth instead of regular beef stock.

Each serving size is approximately 2 cups (about 350g), which should be enough for four people; however, if you're having company or plan to have leftovers, feel free to double the batch. The cooking time required is about three hours in total - two hours in the oven and one hour on the stove top.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent overcrowding your pot when browning the beef, cook the meat in batches.
• For best results, let the stew cool down before transferring it to storage containers. This way, the flavors meld together without breaking up the vegetables.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour mixed with a little bit of water and stir into the pot towards the end of cooking time.

Beef stew is more than just a meal; it’s about tradition, comfort, and nourishment. Whether you're hosting friends over or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this simple yet satisfying dish never fails to impress.

To sum up, beef stew is an excellent choice for those looking for a comforting winter warmer. Its rich flavors, nutritious ingredients, and easy-to-follow instructions make it perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike. Give it a try today!