30g Protein, Farmhouse Beef Stew

When winter sweeps in with its chill, there’s nothing quite like the simple joy of a bubbling pot of beef stew simmering away on the stove. Comfort food like this has a way of making our homes feel cozier and our spirits a bit lighter. Did you know that beef stew can provide around 30 grams of protein per serving? That’s not just filling; it’s nourishing too! Picture this: the rich aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen, promising warming satisfaction in each hearty bite.

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Why This Farmhouse Beef Stew Never Fails

There’s something timeless and utterly comforting about a classic farmhouse beef stew. It’s the kind of dish that has graced family tables for generations, bringing people together with each savory spoonful. The secret? It’s all about layers of flavor, starting from searing the beef to letting the ingredients marry as they simmer together. Trust me, once you dig into this stew, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Ingredient Lineup

To whip up this farmhouse magic, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds stewing beef, cut into bite-sized pieces; this is the hearty base.
• 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil for that essential sauté.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced, because garlic is love, right?
• 1 large onion (or 2 small onions), chopped for depth.
• 3 large carrots, peeled and diced into cubes for sweetness and color.
• 2 pounds baby potatoes, whole or halved (depending on their size) for comfort.
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced for an umami boost.
• 6 cups beef stock, the rich, luscious liquid gold.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste, adding a subtle tanginess.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, a must for that deep flavor note.
• 1 teaspoon sugar to balance the acidity.
• 6 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons of dried thyme) for an aromatic touch.
• 2 bay leaves, adding earthy undertones.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch, used later to thicken the stew.
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley to garnish, adding a pop of freshness.

Step-by-Step Method

Ready to get cozy in the kitchen? Let’s break it down:

1. Peel and cut the carrots into 1-inch cubes, making sure they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking.
2. Wash the potatoes, and clean the button mushrooms to keep that earthy flavor.
3. Peel and cut the onions into eighths; larger chunks hold up well in the stew.
4. Mince the garlic cloves, then set them aside, as they’ll infuse the oil with flavor.
5. Season the beef with salt and pepper; don’t skimp, it helps build a foundation of taste.
6. Heat half the oil in a large stewing pot over medium-high heat. Add one-third of the beef and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes—this caramelization is key for depth.
7. Remove the browned beef from the pot and repeat with the remaining two batches, adding oil as necessary, then set the beef aside.
8. Add the remainder of the oil to the pot and toss in the onions and garlic, sweating them for 2 minutes until fragrant.
9. Add the carrots and potatoes, tossing them with the onions to coat them in oil, and sweat for a further 2 minutes.
10. Return the beef to the pot with the vegetables, layering that goodness.
11. Pour in the beef broth, then add the tomato paste, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce; mix well until combined.
12. Toss in the thyme and bay leaves; bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to low heat and let it simmer for one hour—this is where the magic happens!
13. After an hour, add the mushrooms. Let it continue to simmer for an additional hour; the flavors deepen and the beef becomes tender.
14. Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the stew; this will thicken that lovely broth.
15. Increase the heat to medium and simmer for a further 10 minutes to thicken the broth, then remove the thyme and bay leaves before serving.
16. Serve in bowls, garnished with parsley, alongside a hunk of rustic bread to soak up all that goodness.

Nutrition Breakdown

Each serving of this farmhouse beef stew is quite hearty and satisfying. Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutrition:

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 5g

Packed with protein and fiber, this stew not only fills you up but also provides essential nutrients to keep you energized during those chilly days and nights.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this luscious beef stew with a crusty piece of bread, perfect for dipping into the savory broth. A light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, while a glass of your favorite red wine complements the hearty richness. This stew shines during colder months, making it a cherished centerpiece for family gatherings or lazy Sunday dinners.

How to Store It Right

Leftover possibilities are always a plus with stews! You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it in a pot over medium heat until bubbling; add a splash of broth if it thickens too much. For maximum flavor retention, try to reheat gently to prevent breaking down the deliciously tender beef.

Expert Tips

1. For extra tenderness, consider marinating the beef in red wine for up to an hour before cooking.
2. Incorporate different root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a seasonal twist.
3. For a richer flavor, finish the stew with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice just before serving.
4. If you love a bit of spice, toss in a few red pepper flakes during the cooking process.
5. Finish with a dollop of sour cream on top for creaminess and an extra flavor dimension.

Flavor Experiments

1. Seasonal Twist: Add butternut squash for sweetness come autumn—a perfect seasonal companion!
2. Gourmet Variation: For a gourmet touch, include some red wine in the broth and serve with shaved Parmesan on top.
3. Playful Version: Try swapping the beef for tender chunks of chicken and add green beans for a lighter, playful twist on the traditional.

Learn from My Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes in the kitchen; it’s how we learn!

1. Overcrowding the Pot: Avoid adding too much beef at once, as it will steam instead of brown. Brown in batches for best results.
2. Skipping the Browning: Don’t skip the browning step; it delivers essential flavor and depth to the final dish.
3. Not Enough Liquid: If your stew looks too thick, don’t hesitate to add extra broth during cooking; you want it hearty but not paste-like.
4. Ignoring the Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate your stew; don’t skip adding them! Their bright flavors brighten the dish’s depth.
5. Thickening Too Early: Wait until near the end to thicken with cornstarch; if you do it too soon, it can get gummy.

What to Do with Leftovers

1. Transform leftover stew into a savory pie; just overlay it with puff pastry and bake until golden.
2. Make a delicious shepherd’s pie by layering it with mashed potatoes and baking for extra comfort.
3. Create a beef stew quesadilla for a fun twist; serve with sour cream and salsa!

Curious Cooks Ask

Can I use different types of meat in this stew?

Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can easily swap it for lamb, pork, or even chicken. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly for tenderness.

How can I thicken my beef stew without cornstarch?

Another option is to use flour or mashed potatoes; just toss in a few bits while simmering, and they’ll dissolve, thickening the broth naturally.

Can I prepare this beef stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sear the beef first to develop flavor, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

What should I serve with this dish?

Ideal accompaniments would be crusty bread, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad that balances the richness of the stew.