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Delicious Comfort: A Recipe for Hearty Homemade Beef Stew

Introduction

Welcome to our blog, where we explore a timeless classic: hearty homemade beef stew. This comfort food staple is a delightful blend of rich flavors and tender textures, ensuring warmth from the inside out for cozy evenings and family gatherings.

Why Beef Stew?

Beef stew is a timeless comfort food, crafted from simple, wholesome ingredients. Its beauty lies in its versatility, combining simple ingredients to create a unique and satisfying meal. With just a few basic ingredients and patience, it can be prepared with ease.

Ingredients

This recipe requires the following ingredients:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth

1 cup red wine (optional)

3 large carrots, sliced

4 potatoes, diced

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add beef in batches, avoid overcrowding, brown on all sides, remove, and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Cook chopped onion in a pot until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

3. Deglaze the Pot

Pour in red wine, deglaze pot, and incorporate browned bits into stew. Allow wine to reduce by half.

4. Build the Stew

Return browned beef to pot, add tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and beef broth. Cover meat, bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours or until tender.

5. Add the Vegetables

After 1.5 hours, add carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot and simmer covered for 30-40 minutes until tender.

6. Thicken the Stew

To thicken the stew, combine all-purpose flour and water to form a slurry, stir into the stew, and cook for 5-10 minutes until the desired consistency is achieved.

7. Final Touches

Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This beef stew pairs well with crusty bread or mashed potatoes, and a side salad with tangy vinaigrette can enhance its rich flavors.

Conclusion

This beef stew recipe is a comforting and heartwarming meal that is perfect for chilly nights or culinary therapy. It's a family favorite and is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the aroma and try it out with loved ones. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!