Award Winning Beef Stew Food

THE ULTIMATE BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Preheat a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with the oil and butter.
• While the pan is heating, arrange the flour on a large dish. Season the cubed beef with some salt and freshly ground black pepper and then toss in the flour to coat. Shake off the excess flour and add the beef chunks in a single layer to the hot pan, being careful not to over crowd the pan, you might have to work in batches. Thoroughly brown all of the cubes on all sides. Once all the meat has been browned remove it to a plate and reserve.
• Add the wine to the pan and bring up to a simmer while you scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon being sure to loosen up all those tasty bits. Once the wine has gotten hot add the browned meat, thyme, smashed garlic, orange zest strip, ground cloves, freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste, bay leaves and beef stock. Bring the mixture up to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until the liquids start to thicken, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 1/2 hours.
• After 2 hours add halved potatoes, sliced carrots, pearl onions and mushrooms, along with a pinch of sugar to balance out the acid from the red wine. Turn the heat up slightly and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes more, until the vegetables and meat are tender. Add the frozen peas during the last minute of cooking. Season with salt and pepper and remove the thyme sprigs.
• To serve, place the stew in a soup bowl, garnish with parsley, drizzle with olive oil and add a dollop of Horseradish Sour Cream. Right before serving add a slice of Toasted Peasant Bread, half way submerged in the stew.
• Combine sour cream, prepared horseradish and a drizzle of olive oil in a small bowl and mix until thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper. Add a dollop of the mixture on top of the stew and garnish with chopped chives.
• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
• Put a sheet pan in the oven so that it gets good and hot.
• Place the bread slices on the hot sheet pan. Drizzle the bread with the extra-virgin olive oil bake for 5 minutes, until the bread is nicely toasted. Rub the bread slices with the garlic cloves, and discard garlic. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

OLD-FASHIONED BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Combine the flour and pepper in a bowl, add the beef and toss to coat well. Heat 3 teaspoons of the oil in a large pot. Add the beef a few pieces at a time; do not overcrowd. Cook, turning the pieces until beef is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch; add more oil as needed between batches.
• Remove the beef from the pot and add the vinegar and wine. Cook over medium-high heat, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Add the beef, beef broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a slow simmer.
• Cover and cook, skimming broth from time to time, until the beef is tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Add the onions and carrots and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Add the potatoes and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes more. Add broth or water if the stew is dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle among 4 bowls and serve.

AWARD WINNING BEEF STEW

Steps:

• In a large skillet over medium high heat, fry the bacon for 5 to 10 minutes, or until well browned.
• Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
• In small batches, saute the meat in the bacon fat until browned.
• Use a slotted spoon and set the stew meats aside as well.
• Melt the butter in the bacon fat in the same skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onion and garlic and saute for 5 minutes.
• Stir in the flour, caraway seeds, paprika and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Stir for two minutes until all the flour is dissolved.
• Whisk in the vinegar and tomato.
• The mixture should be very thick.
• Next, pour in the beef stock, beer, salt, water, red bell peppers, reserved bacon and reserved meat.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
• Stir in the potatoes, parsnip, celery and carrots and continue to simmer, covered, for 30 more minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
• Stir in the breadcrumbs until stew has thickened.
• Add the cabbage and peas and simmer for 5 more minutes.
• (Note: For best results, allow soup to cool slightly, then refrigerate overnight and reheat before serving.).

CONTEST-WINNING EASY OVEN STEW

Steps:

• In a 5-qt. Dutch oven, combine all ingredients. Cover and bake at 350° for 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 hours, or until the meat and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

BEST BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Dredge beef in flour, seasoned with your favorite seasonings.
• Heat large Dutch oven (cast iron is best).
• Whisk together olive oil and dry mustard, add to heated Dutch oven.
• Add Spanish onion and caramelize.
• Add dredged beef, brown on all sides.
• Add garlic, brown, being careful not to burn.
• Add wine, deglaze the pot and simmer 10 minutes.
• Add carrots, rutabaga, celery, mushrooms, cayenne, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish Salt to taste.
• Stir and simmer another 10 minutes.
• Add water and potatoes.
• Stir and bring back to simmer.
• Preheat oven to 300°F.
• Cover tightly and slow simmer until potatoes are fork tender, about 2 hours.