Old-fashioned Beef Stew I

Hearty Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe | Tender Beef with Carrots and Potatoes

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours and 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Old-fashioned Beef Stew is a classic comfort food dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This hearty and flavorful stew is perfect for a cozy family dinner on a cold winter night.

History

Beef stew has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. The slow cooking method used in stewing meat dates back to ancient times when people would cook tough cuts of meat over a low flame for hours to tenderize them. The addition of vegetables and seasonings to the meat created a delicious and satisfying meal that could feed a large family.

Ingredients

0.33 cup of flour
1 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of freshly ground pepper
2 lb (907 g) of stewing beef plus bones
4 tbsp of shortening
4 cup of boiling water
1 tbsp of lemon juice
1 tbsp of worcestershire sauce
1 tsp of sugar
1 large onion, sliced
2 bay leaves
0.5 tsp of allspice
12 small carrots, trimmed and scraped
12 small white onions, trimmed
8 small new potatoes, peeled

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. Roll the beef cubes in the mixture, ensuring they are coated evenly.
Shake off any excess flour mixture from the beef cubes.
In a dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a cover, melt the shortening over high heat.
Once the shortening is very hot, add the beef cubes in batches of 5 or 6 pieces at a time. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef cubes on all sides and then remove them from the pot.
Once the last batch of meat has turned a richly dark color, return all the beef cubes to the pot.
Pour the boiling water into the pot, but be cautious as it may spit and sputter. Stand back while pouring.
Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, onion, bay leaves, and allspice.
Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat becomes tender.
Add the carrots, onions, and potatoes to the pot. Cook for an additional 20 – 25 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a fork.

Variations

Add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
Use different vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, or celery.
Try using different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or paprika.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the beef cubes in batches to ensure they are cooked evenly and develop a rich flavor.

- Be cautious when adding the boiling water to the pot, as it may splatter.

- Let the stew simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the beef stew hot with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the beef cubes before simmering adds flavor to the stew.

- Simmering the stew slowly over low heat allows the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable shortening or olive oil instead of shortening.

- Substitute beef broth for water for a richer flavor.

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 beef stew in a rustic bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this hearty beef stew with a glass of red wine or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 28g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 32g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 4mg per serving

Vitamin C: 20mg per serving

Alergens

Contains: Wheat (flour)

Summary

This Old-fashioned Beef Stew is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is rich in iron and vitamin C, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Old-fashioned Beef Stew is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. With a rich and flavorful broth, tender beef, and hearty vegetables, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha. As I stepped into her cozy kitchen, the fragrant aroma of simmering beef stew filled the air. Martha greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, inviting me to stay for dinner.

I watched in awe as Martha effortlessly chopped vegetables, seared the beef, and seasoned the stew with a blend of herbs and spices. She explained each step of the process with such passion and expertise that I couldn't help but be drawn in. I had always loved cooking, but there was something special about the way Martha approached it – with a combination of tradition, creativity, and love.

As we sat down to enjoy the delicious beef stew, Martha shared the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. It was a simple yet hearty dish, perfect for warming the soul on a cold winter's night.

I asked Martha if she would be willing to teach me how to make the stew, and she eagerly agreed. Over the next few weeks, I visited Martha's kitchen regularly, honing my skills and learning the intricacies of her family recipe. I took notes, asked questions, and soaked up every bit of knowledge she had to offer.

One day, Martha surprised me with a handwritten copy of the recipe, complete with detailed instructions and helpful tips. She had even included a few variations and substitutions for ingredients – a testament to her creativity and resourcefulness in the kitchen.

Armed with Martha's recipe and guidance, I set out to make my own version of the old-fashioned beef stew. I gathered the ingredients, prepared my mise en place, and set to work following the steps I had practiced so diligently.

The kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of simmering beef, vegetables, and herbs. I stirred the pot, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed. The stew slowly thickened and developed a rich, savory flavor that transported me back to Martha's kitchen.

When the stew was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and served it to my family. Their faces lit up with delight as they tasted the hearty, comforting dish. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had successfully recreated Martha's recipe and made it my own.

From that day on, old-fashioned beef stew became a staple in my repertoire. I cooked it for family gatherings, potlucks, and cozy nights at home. Each time, I thought of Martha and the invaluable gift she had given me – not just a recipe, but a shared love of cooking and a connection to generations past.

As I continue to cook and create in my own kitchen, I am grateful for the lessons learned from Martha and her old-fashioned beef stew. The recipe may have originated from her family, but it has now become a part of mine – a tradition to be passed down to future generations, just as Martha had done for me.