| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 4 hour | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 325 | 10g | 3g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 4g | 25g | 0.7g |
Nothing evokes a sense of home, comfort, and satisfaction like a steaming bowl of Slow Cooked Beef Stew with California Bay Laurel. Perhaps it’s the hearty elements of beef and vegetables simmering for hours to absorb the tantalizing flavors of herbs and spices. Or maybe it’s the warm, aromatic broth that coaxes out the nuances of each ingredient. As quintessentially New York as a bagel or a burger, this dish is a tribute to the melting pot of my city’s diverse culinary scene.
Recreating an Age-Old Comfort Food
Slow Cooked Beef Stew with California Bay Laurel is a resplendent tapestry of flavors, and each ingredient plays a role akin to an actor in a stage play. The beef stew meat, seasoned and browned to perfection, adds a robust, carnivorous flair to the dish. The mix of vegetables and herbs, including the earthy California Bay Laurel, work in harmony to create a symphony of flavors that mesmerize your palate.
Lovers of classic American dishes such as pot roast or shepherd’s pie, will find this stew a delightful and comforting meal. The recipe lends itself well as a standalone dish, but also pairs beautifully with a crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious, rich gravy.
A Symphony of Nutrients
Slow Cooked Beef Stew with California Bay Laurel is not just a pleasure for your palate, but also a banquet of nutrients. The beef provides essential proteins and amino acids that contribute to muscle growth and maintenance. Every spoonful is also packed with fiber from the variety of vegetables. This helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer while cutting back on calories. The inclusion of garlic and onion even plays their part in improving heart health and boosting immunity.
Want to kick it up a notch? You might try adding a bit of hot sauce on top. Not only does it add a pleasant heat to the stew, but it can also provide a metabolism boost.
In a city as bustling and diverse as New York, it’s wonderful how a simple, comforting dish can connect us all. Slow Cooked Beef Stew with California Bay Laurel brings together different cultures, aromas, and flavors on one plate, much like New York brings together people from myriad walks of life in one dazzling mosaic. So, next time you’re pining for a taste of home, why not try this recipe? You’ll be gratifying not just your stomach, but also your soul.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of beef stew meat
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf (California Bay Laurel)
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups of beef broth
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 stalk of celery, chopped
Method
Step One
Start by combining the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper in a large bowl. Add the 2 pounds of beef stew meat to your mixture, making sure the meat is well coated on all sides.
Step Two
Next, transfer the seasoned beef to your slow cooker. Add in the minced garlic, California Bay Laurel leaf, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
Step Three
Add the chopped onion to the slow cooker, making sure it’s distributed evenly. Pour the 1 1/2 cups of beef broth over the meat and onion, ensuring the meat is covered with the broth.
Step Four
Dice your 3 potatoes and add them to the slow cooker, along with the sliced carrots and chopped celery stalk. Stir well to fully combine all the ingredients within the slow cooker.
Step Five
Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 10-12 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is tender to the touch and the flavors have melded together.
Step Six
Before serving, remove the California Bay Laurel leaf from the stew. Serve the stew hot and enjoy your delicious Slow Cooked Beef Stew with California Bay Laurel.
