Hello, dear friends! It’s Julia again, your culinary guide at Dinner with Julia. Today, I’m excited to share with you my passion for a classic French dish – the French Beef Stew. My love affair with the French Beef Stew began during a winter trip to the French Alps. The first spoonful was a revelation – the tender beef, the hearty vegetables, and the rich, flavorful broth created a symphony of flavors that warmed my soul. Since then, the French Beef Stew has become a regular feature in my kitchen, especially during the colder months. It’s my go-to comfort food that never fails to warm me up from the inside out. But enough about my savory cravings. Let’s delve into the art of making this comforting dish.
French Beef Stew Recipe
French Beef Stew Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 stew
- 1 large pan
Ingredients
- Two tablespoon of olive oil
- One pound of beef chunks half boiled
- Two tablespoon of chopped garlic
- Two cups of chopped shallots
- One cup of chopped onions
- One cup of chopped parsley
- One cup of vegetable stock
- One tablespoon of Herbs de
- Provence
- Half cup of chopped fresh thyme
- Half cup of chopped fresh rosemary
- Half cup of chopped fresh chives
- One teaspoon of mix spice powder
- Half teaspoon of smoked paprika
- One bay leaf
- Half teaspoon of salt
- One teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Take a large bowl.
- Add all the chopped ingredients into the bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients well.
- Add a little water into it.
- Blend the mixture with a hand blender.
- Make sure the ingredients turn smooth.
- Add the beef into the mixture.
- Marinate the half boiled beef in the mixture for fifteen minutes.
- Take a large pan.
- Add all the ingredients and olive oil into the pan.
- Mix the stew well.
- Cook the stew for ten to fifteen minutes.
- Your dish is ready to be served.
Video
Cooking French Beef Stew with a Slow Cooker
- Browning the Meat: Start by browning your meat on the stovetop as usual. This step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors in the stew.
- Preparing the Broth: While your meat is browning, mix together your broth, wine, herbs, and spices in a separate bowl. This will be the flavorful liquid in which your beef and vegetables will slowly cook.
- Layering: Once your meat is nicely browned, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add your vegetables and pour over the prepared broth, ensuring everything is well submerged.
- Slow Cooking: Now comes the easy part. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low. Let it do its magic for about 8-10 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it on high for 4-5 hours.
- Final Touches: Once the cooking time is up, check the stew for doneness. The beef should be fall-apart tender and the broth rich and flavorful. Adjust the seasoning if necessary and serve hot.
Tips for making French Beef Stew
Cooking Tips
Cooking a French Beef Stew might seem daunting, but trust me, it’s easier than you think. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years:
- Choose the Right Cut: For the most flavorful stew, opt for chuck roast. This cut of beef is marbled with fat that melts as it cooks, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
- Brown Your Meat: Don’t skip this step. Browning the meat caramelizes the surface, which enhances the flavor of the stew.
- Deglaze the Pan: After browning the meat, deglaze the pan with some red wine or beef broth. This lifts the browned bits stuck at the bottom of the pan, adding depth to the stew.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Cook your stew on low heat for a long time. This allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become fall-apart tender.
- Add Your Vegetables Later: To prevent your vegetables from becoming mushy, add them in the last hour of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
A French Beef Stew is a meal in itself. However, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
- Crusty Bread: There’s nothing like a piece of fresh, crusty bread to mop up the delicious broth.
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve your stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Red Wine: Pair your stew with a glass of red wine that matches the one used in the stew.
FAQS
Over the years, I’ve received numerous questions about the French Beef Stew. Here are my answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other cuts of beef? Yes, you can. However, tougher cuts like chuck roast or short ribs work best as they become tender during the slow cooking process.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes.
- Can I make the stew ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stew a day in advance. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
- How do I store leftover stew? Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze the stew? Yes, you can freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container. It should last for up to 3 months.
And there you have it! My personal journey and tips on making the perfect French Beef Stew. Happy cooking!