Romanian Beef Stew

Romanian Beef Stew Recipe | Authentic and Nutritious

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

Introduction

Romanian Beef Stew, also known as "Tochitura de vita," is a traditional dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. This stew is made with tender beef, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that create a rich and savory flavor profile.

History

Romanian Beef Stew has been a staple in Romanian cuisine for centuries. It is a dish that has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe. This stew is often served at special occasions and family gatherings, as it is a dish that brings people together and warms the soul.

Ingredients

2 lb / 1 kg beef
4 - 5 onions
2 tbsp lard
1 tbsp tomato paste or 4 - 5 tomatoes
salt
pepper

How to prepare

Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Fry it lightly in lard. Add the chopped onion and fry it a little more. Then, add a small amount of water and let it boil covered over low heat.
Occasionally add a small amount of water until the meat becomes tender.
Add the tomato paste or peeled and seeded tomatoes (cut into small chunks), salt, and pepper.
Cover the pot and let it boil over low heat until the liquid evaporates almost completely.
Serve with polenta.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or carrots for added texture and flavor.
Use different cuts of beef, such as chuck or brisket, for a different taste and texture.
Add a splash of red wine for a deeper flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, use beef with a higher fat content.

- Browning the meat before adding the onions will enhance the overall flavor of the stew.

- Be sure to simmer the stew over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Romanian Beef Stew with a side of creamy polenta or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat before adding the onions will enhance the overall flavor of the stew.

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

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil or butter in place of lard.

- Use canned diced tomatoes in place of fresh tomatoes.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Romanian Beef Stew in a rustic bowl garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this hearty stew with a glass of red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 5g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Vitamin C: 10% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This Romanian Beef Stew is a rich source of protein and iron, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Romanian Beef Stew is a classic dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. With tender beef, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with polenta or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Romanian Beef Stew. It was many years ago, when I was a young girl living in a small village in Romania. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook, had just returned from a trip to visit relatives in the countryside. She brought back with her a handwritten recipe for a traditional Romanian beef stew that had been passed down through generations of our family.

I eagerly watched as my grandmother gathered the ingredients for the stew. She explained to me that the key to making a delicious Romanian beef stew was to use high-quality beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth made from scratch. As she chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes, the kitchen filled with the warm, earthy aroma of the vegetables.

I loved spending time in the kitchen with my grandmother, watching as she worked her magic with the pots and pans. She taught me how to brown the beef in a hot skillet until it was golden and caramelized, then transfer it to a large pot to simmer with the vegetables and broth. The stew bubbled and simmered on the stove, filling the house with a tantalizing scent that made my mouth water.

As the stew cooked, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood, growing up in a small village much like ours. She told me how her own grandmother had taught her to cook, passing down recipes and techniques that had been in our family for generations. I listened intently, absorbing every detail and committing it to memory.

Finally, after hours of simmering, the stew was ready. My grandmother ladled steaming bowls of the fragrant, hearty dish, sprinkling them with fresh parsley for a pop of color. We sat down at the kitchen table, the stew warming our bellies and our hearts.

From that day on, Romanian Beef Stew became a staple in our household. I would often help my grandmother prepare the dish, learning the intricacies of each step and perfecting the flavors with each batch we made. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who all raved about the rich, savory stew that warmed them from the inside out.

Over the years, I have continued to make Romanian Beef Stew for my own family, passing down the recipe and the tradition to my children and grandchildren. Each time I make the stew, I am transported back to that small village kitchen, where my grandmother first taught me the art of cooking with love and care.

The recipe for Romanian Beef Stew holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the rich culinary heritage that has been passed down through the generations of our family. It is a dish that brings people together, filling their bellies and their souls with warmth and comfort. And every time I make it, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the love and wisdom that my grandmother shared with me all those years ago.