Beef stew is a hearty and delicious dish made by simmering beef, typically cut into chunks, with a variety of vegetables and seasonings in a flavorful broth or sauce. It’s a classic comfort food enjoyed in many cultures around the world. Here’s a basic recipe for making beef stew:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds of beef stew meat, such as chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth or stock
- 2 cups of water
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- If you want to thicken the stew, you can dredge the beef chunks in flour and then brown them in the hot oil. This step is optional, but it adds a nice texture to the meat. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for a few minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Add the beef back to the pot (if you browned it earlier), and then pour in the beef broth and water. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
- Add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef becomes tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beef covered.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the stew. Continue simmering until the vegetables are tender.
- Finally, add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. You can serve beef stew with crusty bread, biscuits, or over rice.
This is a basic beef stew recipe, and you can customize it by adding other ingredients like mushrooms, green beans, or red wine for extra flavor. Enjoy your homemade beef stew!
