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Let me share my go-to French country stew recipe that'll warm your soul on chilly evenings. This hearty dish combines tender beef, aromatic herbs, and rustic vegetables in a rich, savory broth. I've perfected this recipe over years, tweaking ingredients until reaching cozy perfection. Trust me, once you smell this simmering on your stovetop, you'll understand why it's become my family's favorite comfort food. Grab your Dutch oven and let's create some culinary magic together!
Ingredients for French Country Stew
- Olive oil: Adds richness and depth to the stew, enhancing flavors and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pot.
- Beef stew meat: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor, creating a satisfying base for the stew.
- Carrots: Add sweetness and color to the stew, as well as a subtle earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Potatoes: Offer a comforting and filling element to the stew, absorbing flavors and adding a creamy texture.
- Onion: Adds a savory depth and sweetness to the stew, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic: Infuses the stew with a pungent and aromatic flavor, adding complexity and depth to the dish.
- Beef broth: Provides a rich and savory base for the stew, enhancing the meaty flavors and adding depth to the dish.
- Red wine: Adds acidity and richness to the stew, enhancing the flavors and creating a complex depth of taste.
- Tomato paste: Adds a concentrated umami flavor and thickens the stew, providing a rich and savory base.
- Dried thyme: Offers a warm and earthy flavor to the stew, complementing the other ingredients and adding depth.
- Dried rosemary: Adds a fragrant and pine-like flavor to the stew, enhancing the overall herbaceous profile of the dish.
- Bay leaves: Infuse the stew with a subtle herbal flavor, adding complexity and depth to the dish.
Read more: Country Stew Recipe
Essential Tools for Making This Hearty Stew
- Dutch oven: Essential for slow cooking the stew and ensuring all flavors meld together perfectly.
- Chef's knife: Needed for cutting the beef, vegetables, and herbs to the right size for even cooking.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients and prevents damage to countertops or knives.
French Country Stew Recipe
A hearty and rustic French stew perfect for a cozy dinner.
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Equipment
- Dutch Oven
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb beef stew meat cut into chunks
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 potatoes diced
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 pcs bay leaves
- to taste salt and pepper
Read more: French’s Beef Stew Recipe
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add beef and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary.
- Return beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, red wine, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes:
This stew tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition value:
Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 4mg
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Read more: Country Style Ribs Stew Recipe
Tips for Making French Country Stew Ahead of Time
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the stew as instructed, but do not add the potatoes.
- Let the stew cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- When ready to serve, reheat the stew and add the potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Freezing Instructions
- Cool the stew completely before freezing.
- Transfer the stew to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion.
- Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.
When making this French Country Stew, try using red wine that you would enjoy drinking as it will enhance the flavor of the dish.
Common Questions About This Classic Stew Recipe
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute beef with lamb, chicken, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
How can I make this stew gluten-free?
To make this stew gluten-free, ensure the beef broth and red wine you use are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables before transferring everything to the slow cooker to cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How long can I store leftovers of this stew?
You can store leftovers of this stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, you can freeze this stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
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