Hearty Beef Stew

This hearty beef stew recipe combines tender chunks of beef with an array of vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, simmered to perfection in a rich broth. The robust flavors develop over time as the ingredients meld together, creating a comforting dish ideal for chilly days. Seasoned with herbs like thyme and bay leaves, each spoonful delivers warmth and satisfaction. Serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, making it a fulfilling meal for family and friends.

Cookware: Use the HearthStone Cookware Dutch Oven, 7.25 qt for this recipe.

Serving Size : 6 - 8

Time: 3 hours

3 lbs. beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes

Salt and ground black pepper

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 medium onions, chopped coarse (about 2 cups)

3 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press

3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour

1 cup full bodied dry red wine

2 cups low sodium chicken broth

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

4 medium red potatoes (about 1-1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes

4 large carrots (about 1 pound), peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick

1 cup frozen peas (about 6 oz), thawed

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley leaves

Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat the oven to 300 degrees.

Dry the beef thoroughly with paper towels, then season it generously with salt and pepper to taste.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large ovenproof Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shim-mering.

Add half of the meat so that the individual pieces are close together but not touching. Cook, not moving the pieces until the sides touching the pot are well browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Using tongs, turn each piece and continue cooking until most sides are well browned, about 5 minutes longer. Transfer the beef to a medium bowl, add another 1 tablespoon of the oil to the pot, and swirl to coat the pan bottom. Brown the remaining beef; transfer the meat to the bowl and set aside.

Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the now-empty Dutch oven, and swirl to coat the pan bottom.

Add the onions and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring frequently and vigorously, scraping the pot bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen the browned bits, until the onions have softened, 4 to 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and continue to cook for 30 seconds.

Stir in the flour and cook until lightly colored, 1 to 2 minutes.

Add the wine, scraping up the remaining browned bits from the bottom and edges of the pot and stirring until the liquid is thick.

Gradually add the broth, stirring constantly and scraping the pan edges to dissolve the flour.

Add the bay leaves and thyme and bring to a sim-mer.

Add the meat and return to a simmer.

Cover and place the pot in the oven. Cook for 1 hour.

Remove the pot from the oven and add the potatoes and carrots. Cover and return the pot to the oven. Cook until the meat is just tender, about 1 hour.

Remove the pot from the oven. Add the peas, cover, and allow to stand for 5 minutes.

Stir in the parsley, discard the bay leaves, adjust the seasonings, and serve immediately.

Enjoy this stew with a hearty loaf of bread, or, add some cooked egg noodels.