There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of rich, flavorful beef stew, especially when it’s made the traditional way. This recipe combines tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a robust broth infused with the deep flavors of Guinness beer and bacon. Simple yet satisfying, this stew is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. With its roots in authentic, rustic cooking, this dish brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Let’s dive into this traditional beef stew recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Beef: 2 lb / 900g, cut into chunks
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Onions: 2, chopped
- Bacon: 6 oz / 170g, diced
- Carrots: 2, sliced
- Celery Stalks: 2, sliced
- Flour: 3 tbsp
- Guinness Beer: 14.9 oz / 440 ml
- Tomato Paste: 3 tbsp
- Broth: 3 cups / 750 ml (beef or vegetable)
- Bay Leaves: 2
- Thyme: 1 tsp
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Season the Beef: Season the beef chunks generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the Beef:
- Brown the Beef: Working in batches, sear the beef chunks in the hot oil until they are browned on all sides. Each batch will take approximately 5-7 minutes. Once done, take the beef out of the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Cook the Bacon: In the same pot, add the diced bacon and cook until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside with the beef, leaving the bacon fat in the pot
- Add the Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it becomes aromatic.
- Add the Carrots and Celery: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Build the Stew Base:
- Incorporate the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly to create a roux. This will help thicken the stew.
- Deglaze with Guinness: Slowly pour in the Guinness beer, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step adds incredible depth to the flavor of the stew.
- Add the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste until it is well incorporated.
5. Simmer the Stew:
- Add the Beef and Bacon Back: Return the seared beef and crispy bacon to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the beef or vegetable broth, ensuring that the meat and vegetables are fully submerged.
- Season and Simmer: Add the bay leaves and thyme. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
6. Final Touches and Serving:
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a complete, comforting meal.
Conclusion:
This traditional beef stew is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of comforting, hearty flavors that harken back to classic home cooking. The combination of tender beef, savory vegetables, and the rich, deep taste of Guinness beer makes this stew a standout dish for any occasion. Easy to prepare and even better when made ahead of time, this beef stew is sure to warm both body and soul. Enjoy the simplicity and depth of this timeless recipe, and make it a cherished part of your culinary tradition.