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Pasta, Meat, and Bread

Beef Stew with Potatoes: A Tasty Meal

Nathalia Sanches
By Nathalia Sanches

Beef Stew with Potatoes

Beef stew with potatoes is a classic dish that delights generations. With its irresistible combination of tender meat and juicy potatoes, this stew—also known as beef stew or stew with potatoes—has become a symbol of home cooking.

By preparing the perfect beef stew with potatoes, you revive fond memories and celebrate the richness of traditional flavors.

Beef Stew with Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients:

To prepare an impeccable beef stew with potatoes, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 kg of beef (preferably chuck, round, or shoulder), cut into cubes
  • 4 to 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, crushed or chopped
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, deseeded and chopped (or high-quality tomato sauce)
  • 1 green or red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 large carrot, sliced into rounds
  • 1/2 cup of chopped parsley and chives
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil for browning
  • Water or beef broth enough to cover the ingredients
  • Optional: 1 glass of red wine to intensify the flavor

Tip: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to guarantee the unparalleled flavor of the beef stew with potatoes.

Method of Preparation

1. Preparing the Meat

  1. In a pressure cooker or a large pot with a lid, heat the olive oil and brown the meat cubes until well seared. This step is fundamental to ensure caramelization and the enhancement of flavors.
  2. Remove the meat and set aside.

2. Aromatic Sauté

  1. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, sautéing until they turn golden and fragrant.
  2. Add the chopped tomatoes and bell pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to break down.
  3. If desired, add the red wine and let it evaporate, intensifying the flavor of the sauce.

3. Assembling the Stew

  1. Return the browned meat to the pot and mix with the sauté.
  2. Add the bay leaves and the carrot, and mix well.
  3. Cover the ingredients with water or beef broth and adjust salt and black pepper.
  4. Cover the pot and let cook for about 40 minutes in a pressure cooker, or approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes in a regular pot, until the meat is tender.

4. Adding the Potatoes

  1. When the meat is nearly tender, add the cut potatoes. If using a pressure cooker, cook for an additional 10 minutes; in a regular pot, cook for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft but still hold their shape.
  2. Finish by sprinkling the chopped parsley and chives and adjusting the seasonings if necessary.

5. Serving the Beef Stew with Potatoes

  1. Serve the beef stew with potatoes hot, accompanied by white rice or a crispy farofa, and enjoy this dish full of flavor and tradition.

Note: During preparation, pay attention to the consistency of the ingredients, especially the potatoes, so they do not fall apart and the dish maintains its characteristic texture.

Beef Stew with Potatoes

Golden Tips to Boost the Flavor

Below, we present some tips that will elevate the flavor of your beef stew with potatoes to a new level:

1. Meat Selection

  • Opt for cuts that have a good balance between meat and fat. Cuts like chuck, round, or shoulder ensure the desired tenderness after prolonged cooking.
  • Stewed meat: Always cut into uniform cubes so they cook evenly.

2. Browning the Meat Well

  • Browning the meat over high heat is essential to create a caramelized layer that will enhance the dish’s flavor. Do not skimp on this step!
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute the heat evenly.

3. A Well-Executed Sauté

  • Do not skip the sauté! The combination of onion, garlic, tomatoes, and bell pepper creates an aromatic base that makes all the difference in the beef stew with potatoes.
  • Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for a version with a special touch.

4. Cooking Time

  • Respect the cooking time for both the meat and the potatoes. Overcooking the potatoes may cause them to fall apart, compromising the dish’s presentation.
  • Use a pressure cooker to reduce the cooking time, but if you opt for a regular pot, check the tenderness periodically.

5. Customizing the Sauce

  • For a thicker sauce, try adding a little tomato paste or even a spoonful of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • If you prefer a smoky touch, a pinch of smoked paprika can transform your beef stew with potatoes.

6. Ideal Side Dishes

  • Serve the beef stew with potatoes with white rice, creamy polenta, or even a fresh green salad.
  • A crispy farofa or a mashed potato dish can complement the meal harmoniously.
carne de panela com batata e legumes

Recipe Variations

The beauty of beef stew with potatoes lies in its versatility. Here are some variations you can try:

1. Beef Stew with Potatoes and Additional Vegetables

  • Variation: Add other vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or green beans to enhance the recipe.
  • Tip: Add the more delicate vegetables in the last few minutes of cooking to preserve their texture and flavor.

2. Sweet Potato Version

  • Variation: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweet and nutritious twist.
  • Tip: Sweet potatoes can be added a little later, as they cook faster than the meat.

3. Mexican-Style Beef Stew with Potatoes

  • Variation: Incorporate spices such as cumin, coriander, and chili pepper into the sauté to give the dish a Mexican twist.
  • Tip: Finish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with tortillas or Mexican rice.

4. Rustic Stew with Beef and Potatoes

  • Variation: Add sausage (calabrese) and bacon at the beginning of the preparation for a stew with a smoky, rustic flavor.
  • Tip: Brown the sausage and bacon separately before adding them to the pot, ensuring they release their oils and flavors.

5. Vegan Version Inspired by Beef Stew with Potatoes

  • Variation: For a vegan version, substitute the beef with soy protein or robust mushrooms that mimic the texture of meat.
  • Tip: Use vegetable broth and enhance the flavor with aromatic herbs, taking the same care with the cooking of the potatoes.

Each of these variations brings a new dimension to the dish, allowing you to adapt the recipe according to your personal taste and your guests’ preferences. Experiment and discover which version wins your palate!

carne de panela deliciosa

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did my beef stew with potatoes turn out bland?

  • Answer: If your beef stew with potatoes turned out bland, check if you used the right amount of salt and seasonings during preparation. The sauté stage is crucial, as it concentrates the aromas. Also, consider the cooking time: if the meat did not cook long enough, the flavors may not have fully developed.

2. Can I prepare the beef stew with potatoes without a pressure cooker?

  • Answer: Yes, you can. However, the cooking time will be longer. Use a heavy-bottomed pot and cook over low heat, checking the tenderness of the ingredients periodically to prevent the potatoes from falling apart.

3. Is it possible to freeze the beef stew with potatoes?

  • Answer: Yes, beef stew with potatoes freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, package in individual portions, and freeze. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat over low heat to maintain the texture and flavor.

4. What is the best type of meat for this recipe?

  • Answer: Cuts rich in collagen, such as chuck, round, and shoulder, are ideal for beef stew with potatoes. These cuts become tender and juicy after prolonged cooking, ensuring a flavorful stew.

5. Can I add other seasonings to the recipe?

  • Answer: Yes, feel free to experiment. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and even a pinch of cumin can be added to the sauté to create a personalized version of beef stew with potatoes. Just be careful not to overpower the flavors.

6. How can I prevent the potatoes from falling apart?

  • Answer: Add the potatoes only when the meat is nearly done cooking. This way, they cook just enough without losing their shape. Another tip is to cut the potatoes into large, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

Beef stew with potatoes is, without a doubt, a dish that transcends generations. Its preparation may seem simple, but the secrets to a flavorful stew lie in the choice of ingredients, the cooking time, and, most importantly, the attention to every detail. This article has presented the traditional recipe, essential tips, creative variations, and answers to frequently asked questions that can help any cook, whether a beginner or experienced, achieve kitchen success.

Recapping the Main Points:

  • Quality ingredients: Choosing the right meat and vegetables is fundamental for a delicious beef stew with potatoes.
  • Browning and sautéing: Do not underestimate the importance of the aromatic sauté in boosting the flavor.
  • Time and technique: Cooking in a pressure cooker or a regular pot, while paying attention to the timing, ensures tender meat and potatoes that complement the dish without disintegrating.
  • Customization: The recipe variations allow you to explore new flavors and adaptations, making each preparation unique.
  • Tips and FAQ: The guidelines and answers to frequently asked questions help clear doubts and avoid common mistakes.

With this information, you are ready to venture into the kitchen and prepare a beef stew with potatoes that will surprise your friends and family. Remember that cooking is an art that improves with practice and passion. So, roll up your sleeves, try new variations, and above all, have fun while cooking!

We hope this article has been useful and inspiring. If you have any further questions or would like to share your experiences, feel free to leave a comment. After all, sharing knowledge is as important as the recipe itself.

Enjoy your meal and see you in the next beef stew with potatoes recipe!

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With love

Nate!

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