Beef in Stout

Beef in Stout Recipe from the United Kingdom

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Beef in Stout is a hearty and traditional dish that combines the rich flavors of beef with the deep, malty taste of stout beer. This recipe is perfect for those chilly days when you crave something warm and comforting. The combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and the unique taste of stout creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and promises to deliver a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends.

History

The origins of Beef in Stout can be traced back to the British Isles, where beer has been used as a cooking ingredient for centuries. The use of stout in cooking is particularly associated with Ireland, where the famous dark beer adds a rich and complex flavor to various dishes. This recipe has evolved over time, with each generation adding its own touch to the classic dish. Today, Beef in Stout is enjoyed by people all over the world, appreciated for its comforting flavors and the way it showcases the versatility of stout in cooking.

Ingredients

15 g of butter
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
900 g (2 lb) of Stewing steak, cut into 5 cm (2 inches) cubes
4 medium onions, sliced
225 g (8 oz) of button mushrooms, halved
2 tbsp of plain flour
300 ml of stout
1 bay leaf
1 tsp of Soft dark brown sugar

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas 4.
2. Heat the butter and oil in a large flame-proof casserole and cook the meat for 10 minutes, until it is browned all over. Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon.
3. Add the onions and mushrooms to the pan and fry until they are softened. Add the flour and stir well so that the flour absorbs the fat.
4. Return the meat to the pan, add the stout, bay leaf, and sugar. Stir well.
5. Cover and cook in the oven for about 2 hours or until the meat is tender.

Variations

There are several ways to vary this recipe to suit your taste or make use of what you have on hand:
Add root vegetables such as carrots or parsnips to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use beer or ale instead of stout for a lighter taste.
Incorporate herbs such as thyme or rosemary for additional aroma and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Beef in Stout turns out perfectly, consider the following tips and tricks:

- Brown the beef well before adding it to the casserole. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Use a good quality stout for the best results. The beer is a key ingredient, so its flavor will significantly impact the final dish.

- Be patient and allow the beef to cook slowly and gently. This will ensure the meat becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors.

- If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by simmering it on the stove with the lid off for a few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Beef in Stout is best served hot, accompanied by mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of green peas or a fresh salad can add a touch of lightness to the meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe utilizes slow cooking in the oven, which allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender. For an alternative method, you can also prepare Beef in Stout in a slow cooker, cooking on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the ingredients on hand, consider the following substitutions:

- Use margarine or a dairy-free alternative instead of butter for a lactose-free version.

- Replace the stout with beef broth and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for a non-alcoholic version.

Make Ahead Tips

Beef in Stout can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Simply prepare the dish according to the recipe, allow it to cool, and then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Beef in Stout in a deep dish or bowl to capture all the sauce. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives for a touch of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

A glass of stout or a robust red wine pairs beautifully with Beef in Stout, complementing its rich flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, a dark malt beverage or a rich, full-bodied coffee can be a great match.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Beef in Stout in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, transfer to a saucepan and warm gently on the stove, adding a little water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Beef in Stout contains approximately 400-450 calories, making it a hearty meal option. The exact calorie count will depend on the specific ingredients used and the portion size.

Carbohydrates

This Beef in Stout recipe contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the onions, mushrooms, and flour used in the preparation. A single serving of this dish contains approximately 15-20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the butter, vegetable oil, and the natural fat content of the beef. A serving of Beef in Stout contains about 20-25 grams of fat, making it a relatively rich dish. To reduce the fat content, you can trim the beef of excess fat before cooking.

Proteins

Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, and this dish is no exception. A serving of Beef in Stout provides approximately 30-35 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and muscle-building meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins from the beef, vitamin D from the mushrooms, and iron from both the beef and the stout. These nutrients are essential for energy production, immune function, and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour and stout, and may also contain allergens from the beef (depending on its processing). Individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should use gluten-free flour and stout alternatives.

Summary

Overall, Beef in Stout is a nutritious and satisfying dish. It provides a good balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals. However, it is relatively high in calories and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Beef in Stout is a classic dish that combines tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and the rich taste of stout beer. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for colder weather or any time you crave something hearty. With its deep flavors and nutritious ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Beef in Stout. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Ireland. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, had a friend who shared this recipe with her.

It was a cold and rainy day, much like today, when my grandmother invited her friend over for tea. As they sat in the cozy kitchen, sipping on hot tea and chatting about the latest news in the village, my grandmother’s friend mentioned a new recipe she had tried recently – Beef in Stout.

I listened intently as she described how tender and flavorful the beef was, cooked in a rich and hearty stout sauce. My mouth watered just thinking about it. I begged my grandmother to ask for the recipe, and after much persuasion, her friend finally agreed to share it with us.

The next day, my grandmother and I set out to gather the ingredients we needed to make this new and exciting dish. We walked to the village market, where we carefully selected the freshest cuts of beef, along with onions, carrots, and of course, a bottle of stout.

Back at home, my grandmother wasted no time in getting started on the dish. She chopped the vegetables with such precision and skill, while I watched in awe. I helped by stirring the pot and adding the stout, which filled the kitchen with a rich and intoxicating aroma.

As the beef simmered away in the stout sauce, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood, growing up in the Irish countryside and learning to cook from her own mother. She told me how important it was to always use the best ingredients and to put love and care into every dish.

After a few hours of simmering, the Beef in Stout was finally ready. My grandmother carefully ladled the tender beef and vegetables onto plates, drizzling the thick and savory sauce over the top. I eagerly took my first bite, and it was like nothing I had ever tasted before. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the stout sauce was rich and flavorful, with a hint of bitterness that complemented the dish perfectly.

From that day on, Beef in Stout became a regular favorite in our household. My grandmother would make it for special occasions and family gatherings, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe. She would smile and say that it was a special dish, passed down from a dear friend, and made with love and memories of her own childhood.

As I grew older and began to cook for myself, I carried on the tradition of making Beef in Stout. I would often think back to that rainy day in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning the recipe that would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing Beef in Stout for my own family, I can’t help but feel grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down to me. The aroma of simmering beef and stout fills the air, bringing back fond memories of my grandmother and her friend, and the simple joy of discovering a new recipe that would become a beloved family favorite.