| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 – 2.5 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 460 | 16g | 6g | 38g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 5g | 30g | 1.2g |
Why I Love French Beef Stew
As someone with a rich heritage tracing back to colorful Spanish and Cuban roots, I’ve always been captivated by the magical symphony that different flavors across the globe bring to the table. Enter, the French classic – the Beef Stew. Adapting this dish into my repertoire has been an enchanting journey, much like taking the first steps in a dance routine.
A Diverse Fusion of Flavors
Believe it or not, my love for this Beef Stew recipe stems from its wonderful diversity of flavors. It’s a pot brimming with hearty, wholesome goodness – a striking contrast, yet, a remarkable complement to the vibrant Caribbean cuisine I’m accustomed to. The base ingredients of beef, carrots, and potatoes, subtly hint at the earthy flavors of Spain, a nod to my roots. The addition of rosemary, thyme, and parsley further enhances the dish’s complex profile, adding a herby freshness that dances on the palate.
Mastering the Beef Stew reminded me of navigating through the intricate steps of Flamenco dance. It required a delicate balance of participating flavors, much like the harmony between Flamenco’s fast-paced footwork and graceful arm movements. It’s this captivating dance between robust and subtle flavors that consistently spellbinds me every time I prepare this stew for family and friends.
My Process of Creativity
I always found inspiration in the culinary adventures of Julia Child and my voyage in perfecting the Beef Stew was no different. Learning from her tenacious spirit, I eagerly tackled this French staple not with trepidation but with a dancer’s curiosity, willing to experiment, adjust, and modify until I hit the perfect note – a crescendo of mesmerizing flavors, much like the climax of a well-crafted choreography. Julia Child, as ever, was the beacon that guided this dancer out of familiar territory.
The final product, while traditionally French, harmonizes effortlessly with my other favorite dishes. The rich flavors of the Beef Stew can be wonderfully offset by a serving of Spanish Garlic Shrimp, an essential in my menu of tapas. A spritzing of your favorite tropical cocktail serves as the cherry on top for the perfect summer evening.
Loving, developing, and mastering this recipe has been both a taste adventure and a source of immense creative joy. Naturally, intertwined with my passion for dance and my love for a diversity of flavors, this classic Beef Stew is an expression of that journey and a testament to my continued culinary exploration.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 onions, chopped
- 6 carrots, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 4 potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Method
Step One
Start by seasoning the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. After it’s seasoned, dredge the meat in the all-purpose flour until it’s fully coated.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Add the flour-coated beef to the pot and brown it on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
Step Three
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook them until they become soft and fragrant.
Step Four
Pour the beef broth and red wine into the pot. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any bits that are sticking to it.
Step Five
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, fresh thyme leaves, chopped rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir everything until it’s well combined.
Step Six
Cover the pot and let the stew simmer. Cook it for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Step Seven
During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the fresh peas to the stew.
Step Eight
Before serving the stew, remove the bay leaves. Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top of the stew.
Step Nine
Serve the beef stew warm with crusty bread or over rice. Enjoy your delicious homemade beef stew!
