It’s been cold this week and I have been craving the comfort of stew, and so I made a pot and it was out of this world. This is a recipe for a very basic beef stew. It’s tasty, simple and fairly inexpensive to make.
The best part? It can feed a family of four for at least two nights, maybe even more if you pair it with some sandwiches.
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes (This is not a schedule that can be manipulated. If you don’t have two hours to spare to cook it, don’t do it. If you rush this stew, you will be unpleasantly surprised with chewy meat and it will ruin the entire meal.)
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs. boneless chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 tbsp. freshly ground pepper
- 2 yellow onions, diced
- ½ cup flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 4 cups beef broth
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 4 carrots, peeled, cut into ½ -inch slices
- 2 stalks celery, cut into 1 -inch slices
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into about 1 inch cubes
Preparation:
- On medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil to a large heavy pot (one that has a tight fitting lid).
- When it begins to smoke slightly, add the beef and brown very well. Add the salt and pepper as the beef browns.
- Once browned, remove the beef with a slotted spoon; set aside.
- Add the onions and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, and add the flour and cook for 2 minutes making sure to stir often.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add wine and deglaze the pan. The flour will start to thicken the wine as it comes to a simmer.
- Simmer wine for 5 minutes, and then add the broth, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and the beef.
- Bring back to a gentle simmer, cover and cook on very low for about 1 hour.
- Add potatoes, carrots, and celery, and simmer covered for another 30 minutes or until the meat and vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Turn off heat and let sit for 15 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy with family.
What is your favorite soup to make during cold weather?
photo credit: I Believe I Can Fry via photopin cc
