There’s something truly magical about a slow-cooked stew simmering away on the stove all afternoon. The rich aromas that fill the kitchen, the anticipation of a cozy and comforting meal – it all adds up to a recipe for pure delight. If you find yourself craving a hearty and flavorful dish that requires little hands-on time, then this Five Hour Stew is just the recipe for you. Despite the name, this stew is actually quite simple to prepare, with most of the cooking time spent letting the flavors meld together beautifully. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Five Hour Stew
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 lb potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup red wine
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Season the beef chuck pieces with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add in the sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes. Pour in the red wine and beef broth, stirring to combine. Add the tomato paste, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
4. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to intensify and the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
5. After 5 hours, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves.
6. Serve the Five Hour Stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. This hearty and soul-warming dish pairs perfectly with a crusty loaf of bread or over mashed potatoes for a truly satisfying meal.
It’s worth the wait for this slow-simmered stew that promises a depth of flavors that can only be achieved through patience and time. This recipe is ideal for a lazy weekend day when you can let it bubble away on the stove, filling your home with the enticing aroma of a home-cooked meal. So, gather your loved ones around the table, ladle out generous servings of this Five Hour Stew, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and good company.
