Beef Stew with Rice

Beef Stew with Rice Recipe | American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Beef Stew with Rice is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender, slow-cooked beef with a rich and flavorful sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home, offering a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. With its combination of savory meat, vegetables, and sweet dried fruits, this stew is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that's sure to please any palate.

History

The tradition of making beef stew dates back centuries and spans across many cultures and continents. This particular recipe, with its inclusion of dried fruits like prunes and apricots, hints at Middle Eastern influences, where sweet and savory combinations are common. Over time, beef stew has evolved, with each region adding its own unique ingredients and cooking methods to create variations that reflect local tastes and available produce.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) boneless beef stew meat, cut into 1-0.5 inch cubes
5 tbsp flour, divided
1.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
4 cup beef broth
4 cup sliced vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, green pepper)
16 pitted prunes
0.75 cup dried apricots
1 tsp ground marjoram
0.5 tsp ground allspice
6 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Dredge stew meat in 0.25 cup of flour combined with salt and pepper. Brown the meat on all sides in oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot.
Add garlic and onion; cook for 3 minutes longer. Add beef broth, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
Add vegetables, prunes, apricots, marjoram, and allspice. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the vegetables and fruits are tender.
Remove the meat, vegetables, and fruits to a serving dish; keep warm.
Thicken the liquid for gravy with 1 tbsp of flour. Spoon it over the stew or serve separately. Serve the stew and gravy over mounds of hot rice.

Variations

This recipe can be easily adapted to suit different tastes or dietary requirements. For a gluten-free version, thicken the stew with cornstarch instead of flour. To make it vegetarian, substitute the beef with mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adding different vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or peas, can also vary the flavor and texture of the stew.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best results, use a cut of beef that's well-suited for slow cooking, such as chuck or brisket, as these cuts become more tender and flavorful as they simmer. Browning the meat before adding it to the stew adds depth to the flavor. Be sure to deglaze the pan after browning the meat to incorporate all the delicious browned bits into your stew. Additionally, adding the dried fruits towards the end of cooking ensures they maintain their texture and sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Beef Stew over a bed of hot, cooked rice. For a complete meal, accompany it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce and a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to add freshness and balance to the hearty stew.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking is key to developing the deep flavors and tender texture of the beef in this stew. Whether using a traditional Dutch oven on the stove or a slow cooker, allowing the stew to simmer gently over several hours melds the flavors together beautifully. Browning the meat before adding it to the stew adds an extra layer of flavor that shouldn't be skipped.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have prunes or apricots on hand, other dried fruits like raisins or dried cherries can be used as substitutes. Fresh tomatoes can replace some of the beef broth for a more tomato-based stew, and sweet potatoes can be used instead of serving the stew over rice for a different carbohydrate source.

Make Ahead Tips

This Beef Stew with Rice is an excellent make-ahead meal. It can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. The flavors often improve after a day, making it a perfect dish for meal prep or leftovers.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stew in a deep, wide bowl to showcase the rich colors and textures of the beef, vegetables, and fruits. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness. A side of rice can be molded using a cup for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

A robust red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the beef stew. For a non-alcoholic option, a dark, malty ale or a richly flavored sparkling water can complement the meal nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if the stew has thickened too much during storage.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Beef Stew with Rice contains approximately 500-600 calories, making it a hearty and fulfilling meal. The majority of the calories come from the beef and rice, with the vegetables and dried fruits adding additional nutritional value and flavor without significantly increasing the calorie count.

Carbohydrates

This Beef Stew with Rice recipe provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the rice and dried fruits. A serving of this dish contains approximately 45-55 grams of carbohydrates. The rice serves as the main source of carbs, offering energy and making the dish more filling, while the dried fruits add a natural sweetness and slight boost in carbs.

Fats

The fat content in this recipe comes mainly from the beef and the vegetable oil used for browning. Depending on the cut of beef used, a serving of this stew can contain between 10-20 grams of fat. Opting for a leaner cut of beef and using minimal oil for browning can help reduce the overall fat content.

Proteins

Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, and this stew is no exception. Each serving provides a substantial amount of protein, approximately 30-40 grams, making it an excellent option for muscle repair and growth. The protein content also contributes to the feeling of satiety, helping you feel full and satisfied for longer.

Vitamins and minerals

This beef stew is rich in various vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the beef, as well as vitamin C and fiber from the vegetables. The dried fruits also contribute a small amount of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten (from the flour used to thicken the stew) and may not be suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. It is also important to note that this dish contains no nuts, dairy, or shellfish, making it suitable for those with common food allergies, except for gluten.

Summary

Overall, Beef Stew with Rice is a balanced meal offering a good mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a comforting and nutritious option that can be adjusted to meet various dietary needs and preferences.

Summary

Beef Stew with Rice is a classic, comforting dish that's perfect for a hearty meal. With its rich flavors, nutritious ingredients, and versatility, it's a recipe that can be enjoyed in many ways and adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner option or a nutritious meal to share with family and friends, this beef stew is sure to satisfy.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Beef Stew with Rice. It was a cold winter day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, a handwritten note fell out, with a recipe for Beef Stew with Rice scrawled in elegant cursive.

The note was dated back to the early 1920s, a time when my great-grandmother was just a young bride learning to cook for her new family. I could almost picture her in the kitchen, carefully following the instructions and creating a warm and comforting meal for her loved ones.

I decided to give the recipe a try, feeling a sense of nostalgia and connection to my family's past. As I gathered the ingredients and started cooking, the familiar scents of onions, garlic, and beef filled the air. I could almost hear the laughter and chatter of generations past, as they gathered around the table to enjoy a hearty meal together.

The stew simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with warmth and anticipation. I added carrots, potatoes, and a splash of red wine, just as the recipe instructed. The aroma was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I sat down to enjoy the meal, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. The flavors were rich and comforting, the beef tender and flavorful. The rice soaked up the savory broth, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

I thought about my great-grandmother and the legacy of love and tradition that she had passed down to me through this simple recipe. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my roots, to honor the memories of those who came before me.

Over the years, I have made this Beef Stew with Rice countless times, each batch a little different but always delicious. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on a piece of my family history with each bowl.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the generations of strong, resourceful women who have shaped me into the cook I am today. Their recipes and traditions are a gift that I will cherish and pass on to future generations.

So, as I take my last bite of Beef Stew with Rice, I smile knowing that the love and connection that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones will always be a part of who I am. And I am grateful for the simple joy of cooking and the memories it brings to life.