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Let me share a Bulgarian beef stew recipe that'll warm your soul. This hearty dish brings back memories of my grandmother's kitchen, filled with aromatic spices and tender chunks of beef. Rich red wine and paprika create depth, while potatoes add comforting substance. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving something robust, this stew never fails to impress. I've tweaked grandma's recipe slightly, but essence remains unchanged. Get ready for a culinary journey through Eastern European flavors that'll leave you wanting seconds!
Ingredients for Delicious Bulgarian Beef Stew
- Beef chuck: Tenderizes during slow cooking, providing rich flavor and texture to the stew.
- Onions: Add sweetness and depth to the stew, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
- Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and color, enhancing the overall taste and visual appeal of the stew.
- Garlic: Infuses a robust aroma and flavor, elevating the savory profile of the stew.
- Tomato paste: Adds depth and richness, enhancing the umami flavor of the stew.
- Red wine: Provides acidity and depth of flavor, tenderizing the meat and adding complexity to the stew.
- Beef broth: Forms the savory liquid base, intensifying the beefy flavor and richness of the stew.
- Paprika: Infuses a warm, smoky flavor and vibrant color, adding depth to the stew.
- Olive oil: Enhances the richness and mouthfeel of the stew, adding a subtle fruity note to the dish.
- Bay leaves: Impart a subtle earthy aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall complexity of the stew.
- Thyme: Adds a fragrant, earthy note, complementing the beef and other flavors in the stew.
- Potatoes: Provide heartiness and texture, absorbing flavors and adding substance to the stew.
Read more: Beef Heart Stew
Essential Tools and Equipment for Making Bulgarian Beef Stew
- Dutch oven: Essential for slow cooking the stew and ensuring all flavors meld together perfectly.
- Chef's knife: Needed for cutting the beef and vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients safely and efficiently.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the stew without damaging the Dutch oven's surface.
Bulgarian Beef Stew
A hearty and flavorful beef stew from Bulgaria, perfect for a cozy meal.
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Equipment
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef chuck cut into cubes
- 2 Onions chopped
- 3 Carrots sliced
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 cup Red wine
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 2 tbsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 pcs Bay leaves
- 1 tbsp Thyme fresh or dried
- 3 Potatoes peeled and cubed
Read more: Beef Carbonnade Stew
Instructions:
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 2. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- 3. In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- 4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- 5. Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 6. Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth, paprika, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and thyme.
- 7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- 8. Add potatoes and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- 9. Remove bay leaves and serve hot.
Notes:
For a richer flavor, let the stew sit overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 1200mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 5mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Read more: Beef and Bacon Stew
Tips for Making Bulgarian Beef Stew Ahead of Time
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook the stew as directed and let it cool to room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Freezing Instructions
- Cool the stew completely before freezing.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Hearty Beef Stew Recipe
FAQ:
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Bulgarian beef stew recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like stewing beef or even lamb for a different flavor.
How can I make this stew more spicy?
You can add some chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely, you can brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Is it necessary to use red wine in this recipe?
The red wine adds depth of flavor, but you can substitute with beef broth if needed.
Can I freeze leftovers of this Bulgarian beef stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
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