Beef Stew

Beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for colder days.

Delicious Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• Stewing beef (about 2 lbs, cut into chunks)
• Flour (for dredging)
• Cooking oil (2-3 tablespoons)
• Onions (2, chopped)
• Carrots (3-4, peeled and sliced)
• Potatoes (3-4, peeled and cut into chunks)
• Beef broth (4 cups)
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
• Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons)
• Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced)
• Bay leaves (2-3)
• Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Frozen peas (1 cup, optional)
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons, for thickening - optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Beef:

• Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels and dredge them in flour, shaking off excess.

2. Brown the Beef:

• Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring each piece gets a nice golden crust. Set the browned beef aside.

3. Sauté Vegetables:

• In the same pot, add chopped onions and carrots. Sauté for a few minutes until they start to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

4. Add Liquid and Flavorings:

• Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

5. Simmer:

• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for around 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef becomes tender.

6. Add Potatoes:

• Add the potato chunks to the stew and continue simmering until they're cooked through, which may take about 30-40 minutes.

7. Thicken the Stew (Optional):

• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a little cold water and stir this mixture into the stew. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens.

8. Add Peas (Optional) and Adjust Seasoning:

• If using frozen peas, add them to the stew during the last few minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

9. Serve:

• Remove the bay leaves and serve the beef stew hot. It's excellent with some crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes.

This beef stew is versatile, and you can add or substitute vegetables according to your taste. It's perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as comforting leftovers. Adjust the recipe to suit your preferences.