Hearty Homemade Beef Stew

taste

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth

1 cup red wine (optional)

4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

3 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

Start your culinary journey by preparing the beef:

2. Brown the Beef:

Browning the meat adds depth of flavor to your stew:

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Working in batches, add the seasoned beef and sear it until it’s browned on all sides. This will take about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned meat to a plate and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

The aromatic base of your stew is crucial for flavor:

In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.

4. Deglaze the Pot:

Adding wine (if using) helps to deglaze the pot and infuse the stew with additional flavors:

Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.

5. Simmer with Broth and Spices:

Now, let’s build the rich broth and aromatic profile of your stew:

Return the browned beef to the pot.
Pour in the beef broth, adding bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 hour. This slow simmer will tenderize the meat and meld the flavors together.

6. Add Vegetables:

After an hour of simmering, it’s time to introduce the