Beef and potato stew

Beef and Potato Stew - A Flavorful Family Recipe

Beef and potato stew is a classic, simple yet incredibly delicious dish that brings back memories of hearty family meals from childhood. Whether served for lunch or dinner, this stew is a perfect choice for the whole family. With a creamy sauce full of flavors and tender meat, it's the kind of meal that makes us feel at home. Let’s venture into this recipe, step by step, and discover together the secrets of a perfect stew!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:

- 600-700 g beef (preferably chuck or neck)
- 5-6 medium potatoes (preferably starchy potatoes)
- 2 large onions
- 2 carrots
- 5-6 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for a more intense flavor)
- A few cloves of garlic (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Milk (optional, for marinating the meat)

Preparing the meat (the secret trick):
To achieve tender meat, it is recommended to let the beef sit in milk overnight. This simple trick not only tenderizes it but also adds a subtle flavor that will enrich the stew.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cutting the beef into medium-sized cubes (about 3 cm), so it cooks evenly. Peel the onions, carrots, and potatoes. Chop the onion finely and slice the carrots thinly. Cut the potatoes into quarters, ensuring they are of similar sizes for even cooking.

2. Heating the oil: In a double-bottomed pot (for even heat distribution), heat the oil over medium heat. It is important to use a pot that prevents burning the ingredients.

3. Browning the meat: Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides. This step is essential to seal in the juices of the meat and provide a rich flavor.

4. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and carrot. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

5. Boiling: Pour hot water over the meat and vegetables, enough to cover the ingredients by about two fingers. Add salt, then cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly ajar. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the flame to low and let it simmer for 1 hour.

6. Adding the potatoes: After the meat has simmered for an hour, check if it is tender. If it is tough, let it simmer for another 10-20 minutes. Then, add the cut potatoes and top up with water if necessary, so that everything is covered.

7. Finalizing the dish: Let it simmer together for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the potatoes cook, their starch will thicken the sauce, so there is no need to use flour or other thickening agents.

8. Seasoning: About 5-6 minutes before finishing, add the paprika, tomato paste, and crushed garlic. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Serving suggestions:
This stew is served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. A summer salad can also perfectly complement this dish.

Possible variations:
- Pork or chicken: This recipe can easily be adapted using pork or chicken, each variation bringing a different note of flavor.
- Adding other vegetables: You can include bell peppers, zucchini, or peas to diversify the recipe and add more vitamins.

Nutritional information:
This stew provides a good source of protein from the beef and carbohydrates from the potatoes, making it a filling and nutritious dish. One serving (approximately 250 g) contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I replace the beef? Yes, you can use chicken or pork, but the cooking time will change.
- How can I make the stew spicier? Adding chili peppers or chili sauce will give it an extra kick.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance? Absolutely! The beef and potato stew keeps very well in the refrigerator, and the flavor gets even better the next day.

Now that you know how to prepare a delicious beef and potato stew, all that's left is to enjoy it with your loved ones. This recipe is not just a simple meal, but an opportunity to create beautiful memories around the table. Enjoy your meal!