Hearty Stew Recipe for a Cozy Dinner Night

Looking for a comforting and hearty stew recipe to enjoy with family or friends? This simple yet delicious stew is perfect for those cold winter nights when you just want something warm and satisfying. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of making your very own comforting stew in the comfort of your home.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 500 grams beef stew meat (or use lamb or chicken for a different flavor profile)
• 1 can (400g) of tomatoes in juice
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• Cooking herbs (optional, such as thyme or rosemary)
• 3 cups of potatoes, peeled and diced
• Green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional for a more colorful dish)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add the carrots and celery to the pot, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes or until they begin to soften slightly. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the vegetables in the stew by caramelizing them a bit.
3. Once the vegetables have softened, add the meat and brown it well on all sides. Browning the meat is crucial as it locks in the flavors and enriches the base of the stew. After browning, remove the meat from the pot temporarily to set aside for later use.
4. Add the canned tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, bay leaves, and any selected cooking herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) back into the pot. Stir well ensuring all ingredients are combined evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Return the browned meat to the pot along with a cup of beef broth or water. Allow the stew to simmer on low heat for approximately 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and easily falls apart when tested with a fork. Adjust seasoning according to your taste; adding more salt and pepper if needed.
6. After an hour, add the diced potatoes into the pot. Continue simmering another 20 minutes or so, depending on how soft you prefer your vegetables to be. Potatoes take longer than other vegetables to fully cook through.
7. If desired, toss in green beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking time for a colorful and nutritious addition. Once everything is cooked thoroughly and flavors are melded together nicely, remove from heat source.

Number of Servings: This recipe serves approximately four people comfortably. Depending on how much you’d like to enjoy your stew, it can be doubled or halved accordingly.

Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes for the base ingredients to simmer thoroughly plus an additional time based on vegetable preparation preference.

Enjoy your hearty stew! It’s not just about what you put into this dish but also how it warms you from within. Whether served with crusty bread or over a bed of rice, this stew is sure to please everyone at the table.

About This Recipe

This stew recipe embodies simplicity and warmth. It’s one of those dishes that can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to three days. On busy weekdays, you could quickly warm it up without losing much flavor or texture.

The key to a successful hearty stew lies in the balance between savory ingredients and spices. The use of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and quality cuts of meat contribute significantly towards achieving that perfect balance. Each bite should leave you craving more while providing a satisfying meal experience.