Ah, beef stew. Just the thought of it brings a warm, comforting feeling to my heart, much like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. This recipe has been a staple in my family for generations. I remember my grandmother making it on those brisk autumn evenings when the leaves started to turn, filling the house with the most comforting aroma. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Stew
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Ultimate Comfort Food: This beef stew is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for warming up on a cold day. The hearty texture and rich, savory flavors provide that soul-nourishing warmth we all crave during cooler months. Each spoonful offers tender chunks of beef and perfectly cooked vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that wrap you like a warm embrace. The slow-simmered broth melds the flavors beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience.
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Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with hearty vegetables and tender beef, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Each ingredient in this stew contributes to a balanced meal. Beef is a great source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins. Carrots add a dose of beta-carotene and fiber, while potatoes provide potassium and energy-boosting carbohydrates. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaf brings not only flavor but also potential anti-inflammatory benefits. This stew is a wholesome meal that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs.
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Easy to Prepare: With a straightforward process, this stew is perfect for both beginner and seasoned cooks. The recipe requires basic cooking skills and readily available ingredients, making it accessible for anyone to try. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced chef, the simple steps guide you to a delicious result without unnecessary complexity. The joy of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep. The flavors continue to develop as the stew sits, making leftovers even more flavorful. This recipe is perfect for busy families or those who enjoy preparing meals in advance. Simply reheat and enjoy a meal that’s just as delightful as when it was freshly made. Preparing it a day ahead can actually enhance the flavor, allowing the spices and herbs to permeate the beef and vegetables more thoroughly.
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Family Favorite: A guaranteed hit with everyone at the table, from kids to grandparents. This beef stew has a universal appeal, combining flavors and textures that are pleasing to all ages. The tender beef and sweet vegetables satisfy picky eaters, while the rich broth and aromatic herbs entice more refined palates. It’s a dish that brings people together, fostering warmth and connection around the dinner table.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6
Calories: 350 per serving
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef cubes, browning them on all sides. This step is crucial for developing the stew’s rich flavor, as browning creates a caramelized crust on the beef that enhances the overall taste. Remove and set aside. Browning in batches is recommended to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can prevent proper browning.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. The aroma of sautéing onions and garlic is the first hint of the delicious meal to come. This initial step helps build the flavor foundation of the stew.
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Simmer the Stew: Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, then add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, carrots, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Simmering allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
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Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot. Taste the stew before seasoning, as the broth might already contain salt. Adjust to your preference, keeping in mind that you can always add more but cannot remove excess.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the stew evenly and maintaining heat. A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven is ideal for retaining heat and distributing it evenly, ensuring thorough cooking without burning the bottom. The weight of the pot helps in maintaining a steady simmer, crucial for tenderizing the beef over a long cooking period.
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Sharp knife for chopping: A good-quality, sharp knife makes chopping vegetables and meat easier and safer. Maintaining a sharp knife is crucial for efficient and precise cutting. It reduces the risk of accidents and helps maintain the texture of the ingredients, particularly when cutting delicate vegetables.
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Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients. Opt for a board that’s large enough to accommodate your vegetables and meat without crowding. Using a board with a groove around the edge can help catch any juices, keeping your countertop clean.
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Wooden spoon for stirring: A wooden spoon is gentle on your pot and effective for stirring ingredients without scratching the surface. It’s also heat-resistant, making it safe for use in hot liquids. The wooden material doesn’t conduct heat like metal, preventing accidental burns during cooking.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
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Beef Chuck: Offers rich flavor and becomes tender with slow cooking. This cut is marbled with fat, which renders down during cooking, adding depth and richness to the stew. It’s an economical choice that shines in recipes requiring long, slow cooking. Beef chuck is known for its robust flavor, making it perfect for stews where prolonged cooking times are needed.
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Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the meat. Using olive oil for browning imparts a mild, fruity flavor that complements the heartiness of the stew. It’s also a healthier fat option, contributing monounsaturated fats to your diet. Olive oil provides a smooth mouthfeel and integrates well with the stew’s other flavors.
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Beef Broth: Provides depth of flavor and keeps the stew moist. A good-quality beef broth enhances the meatiness of the stew and acts as the flavorful base that ties all the ingredients together. Opting for a low-sodium broth can help you control the seasoning more effectively.
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Tomato Paste: Enhances the umami flavor, giving the stew a deeper taste. The concentrated tomato flavor of the paste adds a slight tang and richness that balances the savory notes of the beef and broth. It acts as a thickening agent, giving the stew a lush, velvety texture.
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Onions and Garlic: Essential for building a flavorful base. These aromatic vegetables add sweetness and depth, creating a savory foundation that enhances all other flavors in the stew. The slow cooking process sweetens the onions, adding a subtle caramelized note to the dish.
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Carrots and Potatoes: Add bulk and natural sweetness, making the stew hearty and satisfying. Carrots provide a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors, while potatoes absorb and enhance the broth’s flavors. They also contribute essential nutrients, making the stew more wholesome.
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Thyme and Bay Leaf: Infuse the stew with aromatic earthiness. Thyme adds a subtle herbaceous note, while the bay leaf imparts a slightly floral aroma that elevates the stew’s complexity. These herbs infuse the stew with their essence, enhancing the depth of flavor without overpowering it.
What to Serve With This Stew
This hearty beef stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth, while mashed potatoes add extra comfort and creaminess to the meal. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the stew perfectly, offering a refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish. You might also consider serving it alongside a glass of red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which pairs well with the robust flavors of the stew. For an added touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the stew for a burst of color and freshness.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Using a gentle heat ensures that the beef remains tender and the vegetables retain their texture. This stew also freezes well; just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Consider portioning the stew into individual servings before freezing to make future meals more convenient. Labeling the containers with the date can help you keep track of freshness.
And there you have it, a warm, nourishing beef stew that’s sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. Remember, cooking is all about love and patience, so take your time and enjoy the process. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Chicken Einkorn
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow bowl, combine einkorn flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the einkorn flour mixture. Press gently to adhere the coating.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overcrowded; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 12 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts and air fry for an additional 10-13 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.