| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 6 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 375 | 11g | 4g | 23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 4g | 42g | 0.8g |
Ah, the magic of a good, hearty stew! My love for our Slow Cooker Beef and Okra Stew is deep-seated, originating from my days watching my Irish grandmother bring simple ingredients together and, almost like magic, transform them into a flavorful symphony. Taking kitchen lessons from my Celtic roots, absorbing the comforting ethos of Irish cuisine, and blending it with a unique New England twist is at the heart of my culinary journey.
A Merge of Cultures and Memories
This particular Slow Cooker Beef and Okra Stew recipe, abundant with wholesome vegetables and tender beef, is a culmination of my love for traditional Irish stews and the influence of New England’s flavors. A well-made beef stew has been a classic in numerous cultures across the globe. In fact, this dish’s layered flavors and slow-cooked tenderness recall France’s Beef Bourguignon and Ireland’s Traditional Irish Stew. Delighting in this stew brings back memories of meals shared with loved ones, the warmth of laughter, and the comfort of home.
Embracing Health Into Comfort Food
Furthermore, this hearty Beef and Okra Stew isn’t just delicious; it’s also loaded with nutritional goodness. Okra, a distinct addition to this comfort dish, brings an extraordinary boost to the recipe. Known for its high fiber and vitamin C content, okra supports digestive health and bolsters our immune system. Add to that the anti-inflammatory properties of garlic, the antioxidant-rich tomatoes, and the protein-packed beef, and you have a dish that delivers comfort and health in equal measures!
Carving out moments, occasionally with my dear Laura and our baby boy, to recreate and refine this stew recipe, I have found it pairs exceptionally well with some freshly baked sourdough bread or a simple green salad. At the end of the day, it’s about more than just the flavors or health benefits of the dish; it’s about the shared stories around the dinner table, the shared love and the shared memories. And that, dear gourmets, is why this Slow Cooker Beef and Okra Stew recipe holds a special place in my heart.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup fresh or frozen okra, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups beef broth
Method
Step One
In a slow cooker, place the 1-inch pieces of beef stew meat. Then top with 1 cup of chopped onion, minced garlic cloves and 1 can of diced tomatoes.
Step Two
Spread over 1 can of tomato paste. Next, add 1 cup of fresh or frozen sliced okra, 2 peeled and diced potatoes, 2 peeled and sliced carrots, and 1 chopped green bell pepper.
Step Three
Next, add 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the slow cooker.
Step Four
Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and stir everything together until well combined.
Step Five
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours or until the beef and vegetables are tender and the flavors are well blended. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Beef and Okra Stew!
