Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 hrs – 2.5 hrs | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
430 | 17g | 5g | 35g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
9g | 4g | 40g | 1.2g |
As a culinary enthusiast with roots grounded in the flavors of the South and West Africa, I am delighted to introduce my Beef Stew with Allspice and Thyme—an Afro-Southern fusion that adds a certain zest to the conventional beef stew. This delightful fusion not only pays homage to my heritage but offers an exciting twist to traditional Southern dishes.
Health Benefits and Tastes Like Home
The health benefits of this dish are as plentiful as their flavors! It captures the integrity of hearty vegetables, lean protein, and aromatic herbs, all simmering together to create a symphony of nutrients. You’ll enjoy a burst of vitamin A from the carrots, potassium from the potatoes, and a dose of antioxidants from the red wine, onions, and garlic. The beef provides ample protein, making this stew a balanced, nutrient-dense dish. Also, with the hearty combination of meat and vegetables, it’s a mouthwatering way of getting several of your daily essential nutrients in one go!
Every time I make this Beef Stew with Allspice and Thyme, I am transported back to my mother’s kitchen, where the fragrant aroma of allspice and thyme filled the air. Believe me, this dish exudes comfort—reminding you of love, warmth, and home, no matter where in the world you may be.
Perfect Paring
This stew pairs well with an array of side dishes. I personally find it a perfect match with freshly baked cornbread—a traditional Southern staple. This hearty, moist bread absorbs the stew’s flavorful juices, making every bite simply delicious! For those who prefer a lighter touch, a crisp, green salad works wonderfully.
If you ask me what dish remains close to this delicious stew, I would recommend the classic Hungarian Goulash. The Goulash, with its deep flavors, has a similar disposition to our allspice and thyme beef stew. With the same hearty consistency and aromatic herbs, it could just be a cousin from another continent!
Try out my Beef Stew with Allspice and Thyme recipe, and let the fusion of flavors from the south of the U.S. and the west of Africa enchant your palate—each morsel revealing a delightful tale of two cultures in one savory stew.
As always, remember to enjoy every bite, and don’t be shy to lend your own touch to the dish—a splash of extra red wine or a sprinkle of more allspice, perhaps. Because, after all, isn’t cooking a beautiful journey of discovery and creativity?
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 6 cups beef broth
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 large celery stalks, cut into large chunks
- 1 cup of red wine
Method
Step One:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes, seasoning them with the salt and pepper. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
Step Two:
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook them until the onions become translucent. This should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step Three:
Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the fresh thyme and ground allspice, mixing well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Four:
Pour the beef broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to low, cover the pot and let it cook for about 1 hour.
Step Five:
Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery chunks to the pot. Stir well, then cover the pot again and let it cook for another hour, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step Six:
For the final step, pour in the red wine. Stir well, and then let the stew simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the wine is fully incorporated. After that, your Beef Stew with Allspice and Thyme is ready to be served.