Chicago Beef Stew

Chicago Beef Stew Recipe - Delicious and Hearty American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours and 20 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Chicago Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This stew is packed with tender chunks of meat, flavorful vegetables, and a rich and savory broth. It is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed by families for generations.

History

Chicago Beef Stew has its roots in the hearty and comforting stews that were popular in the Midwest in the early 20th century. This stew was a favorite among Chicagoans, who appreciated its rich and savory flavors. Over the years, the recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to make it their own.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) beef stew meat
0.25 cup flour
2 tbsp oil
5 cup hot water
2 tbsp chopped onion
1 clove garlic
2 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
0.25 tsp allspice
0.5 tsp paprika
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
0.5 cup tomato juice
1 cup pearl onions
1 cup sliced carrots
2 cup cubed potatoes
1 cup diced celery
3-4 small turnips, peeled and chopped (optional)
0.5 cup applesauce

How to prepare

Flour the meat and brown it in hot oil.
Add the next 10 ingredients (water through tomato juice).
Cover and cook over low heat for 2 hours.
Add the vegetables and applesauce, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the meat and vegetables are tender.
If desired, you can also top the stew with dumplings when adding the vegetables, and then finish cooking as described above.
For the dumplings, you can use your own recipe. I personally make dumplings with Bisquick and eggs.
If I am cooking stewed chicken, I like to add finely chopped green onion and fresh rosemary to the dumplings.
For the stew, I might add green onion or chives, depending on the desired taste.

Variations

You can use different cuts of meat in the stew, such as beef chuck or stew meat.
Add in your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the stew.
For a twist, you can add in a can of diced tomatoes or a splash of red wine for added depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the meat before adding it to the stew. This will help to seal in the juices and create a rich and flavorful base for the stew.

- Don't rush the cooking process. Let the stew simmer slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stew to suit your taste. You can add in your favorite vegetables or use up whatever you have on hand.

- For extra flavor, you can top the stew with dumplings during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This will add a delicious and comforting touch to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Chicago Beef Stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat before adding it to the stew will help to develop a rich and savory flavor.

- Simmering the stew over low heat will allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pearl onions, you can use regular onions instead.

- Feel free to swap out the vegetables in the stew for your favorites or whatever you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicago Beef Stew can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stew in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a pop of color. - You can also serve the stew in individual bowls with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicago Beef Stew pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

- For a non-alcoholic option, try serving the stew with a glass of apple cider or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chicago Beef Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- To reheat, simply place the stew in a pot on the stove over low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated to your liking.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 28g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Iron: 20% DV

- Calcium: 8% DV

Alergens

Contains: Wheat

Summary

Chicago Beef Stew is a well-balanced meal that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Summary

Chicago Beef Stew is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth, this stew is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a filling and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chicago Beef Stew. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling from the trees, and there was a chill in the air that made me crave something warm and comforting to eat. I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother, searching for inspiration when I came across a worn and faded page with the title "Chicago Beef Stew."

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth began to water. The combination of tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and rich, flavorful broth seemed like the perfect dish to warm me up on a cold day. I knew I had to try making it for myself.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, taking my time to carefully chop the vegetables and brown the beef. As the stew simmered on the stove, filling my kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, I couldn't help but think back on all the recipes I had learned over the years.

Growing up, my own mother had been an excellent cook, and I had spent many hours by her side in the kitchen, watching and learning as she prepared delicious meals for our family. She had taught me the basics of cooking, instilling in me a love for good food and the joy of sharing it with others.

In addition to my mother's teachings, I had also picked up recipes and techniques from various friends and family members over the years. Each person I had learned from had their own unique style and flair in the kitchen, and I had taken bits and pieces from each of them to create my own cooking style.

One of my favorite memories was when I had visited Chicago many years ago and sampled the city's famous deep-dish pizza. The flavors and textures had left a lasting impression on me, and I had made a mental note to try to recreate that experience in my own kitchen.

As I stirred the pot of simmering beef stew, I couldn't help but think of the bustling streets of Chicago, the towering skyscrapers, and the friendly people I had met during my visit. I imagined myself back in the city, walking through the neighborhoods, taking in the sights and sounds, and stopping at a cozy little restaurant for a steaming bowl of beef stew.

Finally, after hours of simmering, the stew was ready. I ladled a generous portion into a bowl, sprinkled it with fresh parsley, and took a tentative bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, the beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the vegetables were perfectly cooked. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family, knowing that they would appreciate the time and effort I had put into making this delicious dish. As we sat around the table, savoring each spoonful of Chicago Beef Stew, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment.

In that moment, I realized that cooking wasn't just about following a recipe or mastering a technique. It was about creating something from the heart, something that brought people together and nourished both body and soul. And as long as I had my trusty old cookbook and a kitchen to work in, I knew that I would continue to learn and grow as a cook, exploring new flavors and techniques, and sharing my creations with the ones I loved.

So here's to Chicago Beef Stew, a recipe that has become a beloved favorite in my household, and a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that cooking can bring.