old-fashioned beef stew

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 kg beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp oil or butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3–4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs
• 2 bay leaves
• Optional: peas or mushrooms

---

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef
   Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the aromatics
   In the same pot, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and cook for about a minute.
3. Add flour
   Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux—this helps thicken the stew.
4. Build the broth
   Gradually add beef broth while stirring. Mix in tomato paste, salt, pepper, herbs, and bay leaves.
5. Simmer low and slow
   Return beef to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 hours.
6. Add vegetables
   Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Continue cooking for another 45–60 minutes, until everything is tender.
7. Finish and serve
   Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and add peas or mushrooms if using. Serve hot.

---

🍲 Tips:

• The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef becomes.
• If the stew is too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit longer.
• Tastes even better the next day!