British Beef in Guinness

British Beef in Guinness Recipe - United Kingdom

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 to 2.5 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

British Beef in Guinness is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender beef with the rich and robust flavors of Guinness beer. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with a taste of traditional British cuisine.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional British cooking, where hearty stews and braises are a staple of the cuisine. The addition of Guinness beer adds a depth of flavor and richness to the dish, making it a favorite among many.

Ingredients

3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil
2 lb (900 g) beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch (3 cm) pieces
all-purpose flour for dredging
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
1 carrot, thinly sliced
2 cup (500 ml) Guinness stout or other dark beer
1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
2 tsp (10 ml) sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) English mustard powder
a 1x3 inches (3x8 cm) piece of orange peel
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a large heavy pot (Dutch oven) over high heat.
Lightly coat the beef with flour and fry it in batches until it is well browned on all sides.
Transfer the beef to a plate and fry the onions in the same pot until they are browned, which should take about 15 minutes.
During the last 5 minutes, add the celery and carrots to the pot.
Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the pot.
Add the remaining ingredients, making sure to add enough water to cover the meat if necessary, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer covered until the beef is very tender, which should take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding mushrooms or pearl onions to the dish for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the beef well before adding it to the pot, as this will help to develop a rich flavor in the dish.

- Adding a touch of sugar and mustard powder helps to balance out the flavors and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

- Simmering the beef slowly over low heat ensures that it becomes tender and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve British Beef in Guinness with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Cooking Techniques

Braising the beef slowly over low heat helps to tenderize the meat and develop rich flavors in the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Guinness beer on hand, you can substitute with another dark beer or beef broth for a similar flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving, allowing the flavors to develop even further.

Presentation Ideas

Serve British Beef in Guinness in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This dish contains gluten from the beer and may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its higher fat content.

Summary

British Beef in Guinness is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. With its rich flavors and tender beef, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for British Beef in Guinness. It was a cold and rainy day in London, and I had just arrived at my friend Margaret's house for a cozy afternoon tea. As soon as I stepped inside, the warm and comforting aroma of beef stew filled the air, making my stomach growl with hunger.

Margaret greeted me with a smile and a steaming cup of tea, and I couldn't help but ask her about the delightful scent that was wafting from her kitchen. She chuckled and said, "Ah, that's my British Beef in Guinness stew. It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."

Intrigued, I asked Margaret if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She nodded enthusiastically and led me into the kitchen, where she pulled out a worn and stained recipe card from a drawer. As she read out the ingredients and instructions, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the simplicity and elegance of the dish.

The key to this recipe, Margaret explained, was the use of Guinness stout beer, which added a rich and complex flavor to the beef stew. She also emphasized the importance of using high-quality British beef, as it would ensure that the dish was tender and flavorful.

As I watched Margaret prepare the stew, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill and expertise in the kitchen. She moved with a grace and confidence that only comes from years of practice and experience. I made a mental note to pay close attention to her techniques, so that I could replicate the dish at home.

After a few hours of simmering on the stove, the British Beef in Guinness stew was ready to be served. Margaret ladled generous portions into bowls and garnished them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. I eagerly took my first bite, and my taste buds were greeted with a symphony of flavors - the savory beef, the earthy mushrooms, and the deep, malty undertones of the Guinness beer.

As I savored each mouthful, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The dish reminded me of my own grandmother, who had also been a talented cook and had passed down her recipes to me. I realized that cooking was not just about following instructions, but about preserving and honoring traditions that had been handed down through generations.

After finishing our meal, Margaret and I sat by the fire, sipping on cups of tea and reminiscing about our shared love for cooking. She told me stories about her own grandmother, who had taught her how to make the British Beef in Guinness stew when she was just a young girl. I felt a deep connection with Margaret in that moment, as if we were both part of a long and storied lineage of home cooks.

Before I left Margaret's house that evening, she handed me a copy of the recipe card for the British Beef in Guinness stew. She told me that she wanted me to have it, so that I could continue the tradition and share the dish with my own loved ones. I thanked her profusely and promised that I would do just that.

As I walked home in the rain, clutching the recipe card close to my heart, I felt a sense of purpose and fulfillment wash over me. I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen, a symbol of the love and care that went into every meal I prepared. And as I opened the door to my own cozy kitchen, I couldn't wait to get started on making my very own batch of British Beef in Guinness stew.