Beef stew with leeks, flavored with sage and rosemary

Beef stew with leek, flavored with sage and rosemary

Welcome to my kitchen! Today I invite you to discover a delicious and comforting recipe: beef stew with leek, flavored with sage and rosemary. This stew is perfect for cool days when you need a nourishing and aromatic meal. It is a simple recipe, yet full of flavor, combining seasonal ingredients for an exceptional result. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

The story of the recipe

Beef stew is a classic dish with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. This recipe was inspired by the need to make the most of all available ingredients in the kitchen, as was often done in the past. With a few pieces of meat and vegetables, a nourishing and tasty dish can be created, perfect for gathering the family around the table.

Ingredients

- 300 g beef (tenderloin or thigh, cut into pieces)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 3 potatoes (boiled, diced)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 leeks (white part, sliced)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 100 ml red wine (choose a dry wine for a more intense flavor)
- 1 sprig of rosemary (fresh or dried)
- a few leaves of sage (fresh or dried)
- salt and pepper (to taste)

Useful tips about ingredients

- Beef: Opt for high-quality beef tenderloin, which will be more tender. If you don’t have tenderloin, the thigh is an excellent choice, but ensure to cook it longer to become tender.
- Vegetables: Leeks bring a delicate flavor, while carrots and potatoes add sweetness and texture. You can experiment by adding other vegetables such as celery or bell pepper for extra flavor.
- Red wine: Choose a quality wine, as it will significantly influence the stew's flavor. If you prefer, you can omit the wine, but it is recommended as it helps tenderize the meat.

Preparation techniques

1. Preparing the meat: Make sure the pieces of meat are well dried to brown evenly. This step is essential for achieving a delicious crust.
2. Sautéing the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Add the meat and brown it on all sides for 5-7 minutes, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
3. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and sauté everything for 3-4 minutes. Then, add the leeks and a teaspoon of salt, covering the pot to allow the vegetables to soften for 10 minutes.
4. Seasoning: Add the carrots, red wine, rosemary, and sage. Mix well to combine the flavors and let it simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
5. Cooking in the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 °C and transfer the pot to the oven. Let the stew cook for 30 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the liquid does not reduce too much. If necessary, add a little water.
6. Finishing the dish: 10 minutes before it is done, add the boiled potatoes. Gently stir and adjust the taste with salt and pepper.

Serving

Beef stew with leek is delicious served warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or a crisp green salad. You can garnish it with a few fresh sage leaves for an attractive appearance.

Variations

- Mushroom version: Add fresh mushrooms along with the carrots for an earthier flavor.
- Spicy stew: If you like spicy food, you can add some chili flakes during cooking.
- Vegetarian stew: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh and add more vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Nutritional benefits

This stew is not only tasty but also nutritious. Beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, essential for the body’s health. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use pork instead of beef?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using pork, but the cooking time may vary.

- What type of wine should I use?
A dry red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, is ideal for this recipe.

- How can I store the stew?
The stew keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

I hope this recipe for beef stew with leek, flavored with sage and rosemary, brings you joy in the kitchen and on your plate. Don’t hesitate to put your personal touch on the recipe! Enjoy your meal!