
The Best Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients:
2 pounds of beef chuck, cubed
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 onions, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
4 carrots, sliced
2 stalks of celery, sliced
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
2 cups of beef broth
1 cup of red wine
3 sprigs of fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large Dutch oven or ovenproof pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the onions and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Add the carrots and celery and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1-2 minutes until well combined.
Slowly pour in the beef broth and red wine, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps.
Add the beef back to the pot and stir everything together.
Tie the thyme sprigs and bay leaves together with kitchen twine, and add the bundle to the pot.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the pot and place it in the oven for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Remove the thyme and bay leaves, and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Variations:
Beer-Braised Beef Stew:
Instead of using red wine, substitute it with 2 cups of your favorite beer, such as stout or ale. The malty flavor of the beer will add depth and richness to the stew.
Curry Beef Stew:
Add 1 tablespoon of curry powder to the tomato paste and onion mixture for a flavorful twist on traditional beef stew. Serve over rice or with naan bread.
Italian Beef Stew:
Swap the thyme and bay leaves for 2 teaspoons of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of chopped mushrooms for a hearty, Italian-inspired beef stew.
Conclusion:
Beef stew is a classic comfort food that can be customized to suit any taste. These variations are just a few examples of how you can transform a simple beef stew into a gourmet meal. Experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own unique version of The Best Beef Stew Recipe.
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