Beef and Guinness Stew: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Food
Beef and Guinness stew is a classic Irish dish that epitomizes comfort food. This hearty and flavorful stew is a perfect blend of tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and the rich, malty taste of Guinness stout. It’s a dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite, making it a wonderful choice for a cosy family meal or a gathering with friends. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal, this Beef and Guinness stew recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1.5 kg stewing beef, diced into bite-sized pieces
– 2 onions, chopped
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp plain flour
– 500ml Guinness stout
– 500ml beef stock
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-based pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced beef in batches and brown on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
2. In the same pan, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat everything. This will help thicken the stew later on.
4. Pour in the Guinness stout and beef stock, stirring to combine. Add the bay leaves, fresh thyme, and season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Return the browned beef to the pan, along with any juices that have accumulated. Stir everything together, then cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the stew to simmer gently for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. After the stew has simmered and the beef is tender, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the stew is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a little more flour with water and stirring it into the stew.
7. Serve the Beef and Guinness stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. This stew pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful gravy.
Whether you’re enjoying this Beef and Guinness stew on a chilly evening or as the centrepiece of a celebratory meal, its rich and robust flavours are sure to impress. The tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and deep, malty notes of the Guinness create a symphony of taste that is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time for simmering, and prepare to savour every spoonful of this mouthwatering and authentic delight.