Perfect the art of the hearty beef stew
It's stew season, and having a go-to stew recipe in your back pocket will ensure many delicious eating moments. Making a great beef stew isn't hard.
Take advantage of the chill in the air and prepare a warm and cozy pot of hearty stew. Here are a few superb recipes and some tried and tested tips.
Take advantage of the chill in the air and prepare a warm and cozy pot of hearty stew. Here are a few superb recipes and some tried and tested tips.
HOW TO CHOSE THE RIGHT CUT
Different cuts yield different flavours and require different cooking methods, so chosing the right one is really important. When selecting cuts for stew always chose larger cuts of meat from the front shoulder ideally, for example: chuck.
SHOP STEW CUTS >
SHOP STEW CUTS >
THE SEAR
Never start your stew with raw meat. Ensure that you have seared the stew cuts. Colour means flavour, and searing your meat until its golden brown will mean the difference between a bland stew and a flavour-rich one. Always cook the meat in batches, this gives each piece enough room to sear properly.
A FEW EXTRA POINTERS
Add your veggies in batches, starting with the ones that require the longest cook time.
It is possible to overcook a beef stew, while cooking times vary according to the amount of stew you're making, you generally can't go wrong with a 2-3 hour long cook.
The best side for a hearty stew is crusty, fresh bread but a close second would be garlic-infused mashed potatoes.
It is possible to overcook a beef stew, while cooking times vary according to the amount of stew you're making, you generally can't go wrong with a 2-3 hour long cook.
The best side for a hearty stew is crusty, fresh bread but a close second would be garlic-infused mashed potatoes.