Rustic Beef Stew

Rustic Beef Stew: Hearty Comfort in Every Bite

 Rustic Beef Stew is the epitome of cozy, wholesome comfort food. This hearty dish combines tender chunks of beef, an abundance of root vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a rich, savory broth. It’s a one-pot wonder that warms the soul and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re seeking solace on a chilly evening or a satisfying meal for your loved ones, join us as we explore the recipe for Rustic Beef Stew that promises a bowlful of comfort in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Beef Stew:

• 2 pounds (about 900g) beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, can be replaced with additional beef broth)
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Beef Stew:

1. In a large bowl, toss the beef stew meat with the all-purpose flour until the meat is evenly coated. This will help thicken the stew.
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the coated beef cubes to the pot, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear the meat until it’s browned on all sides. Remove the seared meat and set it aside.
4. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
5. Return the seared beef to the pot.

Simmer the Stew: 6. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

7. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped celery, sliced parsnips, bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pot.
8. Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Serve and Garnish: 10. Remove the bay leaves from the stew.

11. Ladle the Rustic Beef Stew into bowls, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Cook’s Notes:

• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can make a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the simmering stew until it thickens.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stew based on your preferences. Mushrooms, turnips, or peas make excellent additions.
• The red wine adds depth of flavor, but you can replace it with additional beef broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
• Serve the stew with a crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls for a complete meal.
• Leftover Rustic Beef Stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld further.

  Rustic Beef Stew is a comforting masterpiece that brings together tender beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a rich broth. It’s a timeless classic that provides solace on chilly days and a warm embrace for family and friends. So, follow this recipe, savor the hearty goodness, and let the aroma of this stew transport you to a place of pure comfort and contentment with every spoonful.