Dijon Beef Stew

Dijon Beef Stew Recipe - Authentic French Food Experience

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2-3 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Dijon Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This stew features tender beef cooked in a rich and savory broth with the tangy kick of Dijon mustard. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Dijon Beef Stew is a classic French dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The use of Dijon mustard in the stew adds a unique and delicious flavor that sets it apart from other beef stews. This recipe has been passed down through families and is a favorite for special occasions and family gatherings.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) beef cubes for stewing or 2.75 lb (1.25 kg) short ribs or shank cross-cuts
3 tbsp olive oil
0.5 cup chopped onion (red, white, or yellow only) or 5 tbsp onion paste or powder
2 tbsp soy flour or thickener
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp dijon mustard
2.5 cups button mushrooms
2 tbsp butter
0.25 cup dry red wine
3 cups mustard seeds, for drizzling if desired

How to prepare

Dredge the beef with flour. Sauté it in hot oil in a Dutch oven.
Add onions and cook until both the onions and beef are browned and cooked through.
Add broth and mustard. Simmer, partially covered, for 2–3 hours until the meat is tender.
Sauté mushrooms in butter for 5 minutes, then add wine. Bring to a boil and add to the stew.
Serve the stew warm and plain, but spoon or scoop some of the cooked, mustard-based beef stew onto a large plate over rice. Optionally, drizzle with the mustard-seed mixture.

Variations

For a lighter version, you can use lean beef cuts such as sirloin or tenderloin.
Add in additional vegetables such as carrots, celery, or potatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Notes

Instead of using the mustard seeds, just have the real yellow mustard ready and pouring into the stew by stirring or mixing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the beef before adding it to the stew. This will help to seal in the juices and create a rich flavor.

- Use a Dutch oven for cooking the stew, as it will help to distribute the heat evenly and ensure that the stew cooks evenly.

- Don't rush the cooking process - allow the stew to simmer slowly for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Dijon Beef Stew with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a delicious Dijon Beef Stew is to cook it low and slow. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Dijon mustard, you can use whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard as a substitute.

- You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version of this stew.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Dijon Beef Stew in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This stew pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

22g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and butter.

Summary

This Dijon Beef Stew is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Dijon Beef Stew is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and full of flavor, making it a favorite for family dinners and special occasions. Enjoy this hearty stew with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Dijon Beef Stew. It was a cold, rainy day in the autumn of 1965, and I had just finished my weekly trip to the local farmer's market. As I unpacked my bags of fresh vegetables and meats, I came across a crumpled piece of paper tucked away in the bottom of one of the bags. Curious, I unfolded it and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for a stew that I had never heard of before - Dijon Beef Stew.

Intrigued by the unique combination of ingredients listed on the recipe, I decided to give it a try. I remembered my own mother always telling me that the best way to learn how to cook was to experiment and try new recipes, so I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients and preparing the stew.

The first step was to sear the beef in a hot skillet until it was browned on all sides. As the meat sizzled and released its savory aroma, I could already tell that this stew was going to be something special. Next, I added in the onions, carrots, and celery, letting them soften and caramelize in the beef drippings before stirring in the garlic, thyme, and bay leaf.

The most unique part of this recipe was the addition of Dijon mustard, which gave the stew a tangy kick that I had never experienced before. I whisked in a generous amount of the mustard along with some beef broth and red wine, letting the stew simmer and thicken until the meat was tender and the flavors had melded together perfectly.

As I sat down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Dijon Beef Stew that evening, I couldn't help but marvel at how a simple piece of paper found in a bag of groceries had led me to discover such a delicious and comforting dish. From that day on, Dijon Beef Stew became a staple in my cooking repertoire, a recipe that I would pass down to my children and grandchildren for years to come.

Over the years, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding in my own personal touches and variations to make it truly my own. I shared it with friends and family, who all marveled at the unique and flavorful combination of ingredients that made this stew so special.

As time passed, the recipe for Dijon Beef Stew became more than just a dish that I cooked - it became a part of my identity, a symbol of my love for cooking and sharing delicious food with the people I cared about. It was a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that came from creating something from scratch and watching others enjoy it with delight.

Now, as I look back on that rainy day in 1965 when I first discovered the recipe for Dijon Beef Stew, I am filled with gratitude for the simple twist of fate that brought it into my life. It has been a constant source of comfort and joy for me over the years, a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And so, as I sit here in my kitchen, preparing a pot of Dijon Beef Stew for my family to enjoy, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the meals and moments that this recipe has brought into my life. It may have started as a chance discovery, but it has since become a cherished tradition that I will always hold dear.