| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2 hrs – 2.5 hrs | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 587 | 22g | 7g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 6g | 30g | 1.1g |
If there’s one recipe that holds a special place in my heart and never fails to transport me back to where my culinary journey began, it’s definitely the Beef Stew with Artemisia. Deep-rooted in my love for Afro-Southern fusion cuisine, this dish elegantly marries the heartiness of a classic beef stew with the unique properties of artemisia, a plant widely acclaimed in traditional medicine and globally recognized for its potent health benefits.
The Afro-Southern Charm
The Beef Stew with Artemisia echoes the multicultural narrative of Atlanta, my childhood city, with its rich and diverse food culture. As a child, I was enchanted by the magic my Nigerian parents spun in the kitchen, preparing dishes that tantalized the senses with vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. This recipe is my homage to those cherished memories, harmoniously blending the robust southern stew tradition with the exotic flavors of West African cuisine.
Health Benefits Galore
Aside from its mouth-watering flavor profile, what sets this beef stew recipe apart is the health benefits associated with the main star – artemisia. Revered in different cultures for its medicinal value, Artemisia is known to boost immunity, aid digestion and has anti-oxidant properties. Naturally incorporating this powerhouse herb makes this dish not just a treat to your palate but a nourishing meal for your body too.
A Versatile Pairing
Though Beef Stew with Artemisia is a standalone feast in itself, its hearty and warming nature makes it a perfect companion with many other dishes. It goes particularly well with staples like a smooth creamy polenta or a simple side of steamed rice, soaking up the flavorsome sauce beautifully. If you’re after a grand Afro-Southern feast, why not pair it with some Southern fried okra for that extra crunch or a fresh African pineapple peanut stew for a tropical twist?
To wrap it all up, the Beef Stew with Artemisia is not just a recipe for me. It’s a narrative of my culinary heritage, a loving nod to my Southern upbringing, and the flavorful testament of my passion for Afro-Southern fusion food. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of beef stew meat
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups red wine
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 branches of fresh artemisia, chopped
- 3 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
Method
Step One
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the 1.5 pounds of beef stew meat. Brown the meat on all sides, then remove from the pot and set aside.
Step Two
In the same pot, add the chopped large onion and minced garlic. Cook until they are soft and fragrant.
Step Three
Next, mix in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Stir well.
Step Four
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onion and garlic mixture in the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute.
Step Five
Slowly pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 2 cups of red wine into the pot. Stir well, making sure to scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step Six
Add in the tomato paste and chopped fresh artemisia branches, followed by the browned stew meat. Stir well to combine all of the ingredients in the pot.
Step Seven
Allow the stew to come to a boil. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Step Eight
After an hour, add in the cut carrots, cut potatoes, and diced tomatoes. Stir well and allow the stew to continue simmering for another hour, or until the vegetables are soft.
Step Nine
Once the vegetables are soft and the stew has thickened to your preference, the Beef Stew with Artemisia is ready to be served. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Enjoy your meal!
