Imagine a pot simmering gently on the stove, filling your kitchen with the rich aroma of savory beef and the comforting scent of onions and garlic.
The stew, a deep mahogany color, is interspersed with tender chunks of carrots and potatoes, each promising warmth and nourishment.
This hearty beef stew isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a reminder of home and cozy evenings.
During a particularly hectic week, this stew came to my rescue, providing a much-needed moment of calm and satisfaction for my family.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a hearty meal with minimal fuss, or for leisurely Sunday suppers, where the slow simmering of flavors becomes part of the day’s rhythm.
Ready to bring some warmth and comfort to your table? Let’s cook!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with a fusion of beef, wine, and miso.
- Uses pantry staples like tomato paste, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Freezes beautifully for convenient, flavorful future meals.
- Offers a comforting, hearty meal perfect for colder days.
- Provides a unique twist with the broccoli miso purée accompaniment.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cubed — opt for well-marbled cuts for tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil — choose extra virgin for richer flavor.
- 1 large onion, diced — yellow onion preferred for sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic gives the best aroma.
- 4 cups beef stock — low-sodium recommended to control salt levels.
- 2 cups water — filtered if possible for purity.
- 1 cup red wine — a dry variety like Cabernet Sauvignon works well.
- 3 large carrots, sliced — organic for better taste.
- 2 large potatoes, cubed — Yukon Gold for creamy texture.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste — double concentrate for depth.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce — adds umami richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme — crush slightly to release oils.
- 1 teaspoon salt — kosher salt for cleaner flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper — freshly ground for more aroma.
- 1 pound broccoli, florets — fresh for vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons miso paste — white miso for milder taste.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream — look for high-fat content for creaminess.
Step-by-Step Method
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cubed beef chuck. Brown the beef on all sides for a rich, caramelized exterior. This step is vital for developing deep flavors in your stew.
Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. This will also create a flavorful base in the pot for the next ingredients.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they turn translucent and fragrant. This process releases their natural sweetness and enhances the stew’s flavor profile.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This step guarantees the aromatics meld into the dish, building a flavorful foundation for the stew.
Combine Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in beef stock, water, and red wine. Stir in sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Confirm everything is well mixed. These ingredients contribute to the stew’s hearty and flavorful character, setting the stage for a slow and satisfying cooking process.
Simmer the Stew
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew thickens too much, add a touch more beef stock or water.
Steam the Broccoli
While the stew simmers, steam broccoli florets until tender. Use a medium saucepan with a steaming basket or a microwave steamer.
This guarantees the broccoli retains its vibrant green color and nutrients. Properly steaming the broccoli is necessary for making a smooth and flavorful purée.
Make the Broccoli Miso Purée
Transfer steamed broccoli to a blender. Add miso paste and heavy cream. Blend until smooth, creating a creamy purée.
Taste and adjust the amount of miso paste to suit your preference for saltiness. The purée should be velvety and well-balanced in flavor, providing a unique complement to the hearty stew.
Serve the Dish
Serve the beef stew hot in bowls. Add a generous dollop of broccoli miso purée on the side or on top.
This combination offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. The purée’s creaminess pairs beautifully with the rich, savory stew, creating a satisfying and comforting meal for any occasion.
Ingredient Swaps
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.
- To make the dish gluten-free, verify the Worcestershire sauce used is gluten-free, or replace it with tamari or coconut aminos.
- If you prefer a lower-carb option, replace the potatoes with turnips or cauliflower.
- For a dairy-free version of the broccoli miso purée, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
You Must Know
- Brown the Beef: Make sure you brown the beef cubes thoroughly in the olive oil before adding other ingredients. This step enhances the flavor of the stew by creating a rich, caramelized crust on the meat.
- Adjust Consistency: If the stew becomes too thick during the simmering process, add extra beef stock or water gradually until you achieve your desired consistency, guaranteeing the flavors remain balanced.
- Simmer for Tenderness: Allow the stew to simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. For even more tender beef and deeper flavors, consider simmering for an extended period, checking occasionally to avoid over-thickening.
- Balance the Miso Purée: Taste the broccoli miso purée as you blend it. Adjust the amount of miso paste to achieve the perfect balance of saltiness and flavor that complements the stew.
- Serve Immediately: Once the stew is ready and the broccoli miso purée is smooth, serve the dish hot. The combination of hearty stew and creamy purée provides a delightful contrast that’s best enjoyed warm.
Serving Tips
- Serve the stew in shallow bowls for a rustic presentation.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Use a ladle to create a well in the stew for the purée.
- Complement with a glass of the same red wine used in the recipe.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Hearty Beef Stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
It freezes well, lasting up to 3 months.
For make-ahead convenience, prepare the stew a day in advance for enhanced flavors.
The broccoli miso purée can also be made ahead and stored separately.
Reheating
To gently reheat the beef stew, use a microwave on low power.
An oven at 350°F covered with foil is also suitable.
Alternatively, use a stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Culinary Fusion Origins
Now that we’ve mastered the art of reheating, let’s explore the roots of this delightful fusion dish that brings together diverse culinary traditions.
Imagine the hearty, comforting notes of a classic beef stew melding with the rich, umami flavors of a Japanese-inspired broccoli miso purée. It’s a marriage of comfort and adventure, where familiar meets exotic right in your kitchen.
On one hand, we’ve the traditional beef stew, a staple in many homes, known for its soul-warming qualities.
On the other, the vibrant broccoli miso purée introduces a whisper of the East, with miso’s deep, savory profile adding intrigue.
This combination isn’t just a recipe; it’s a story of flavors crossing borders, inviting you to experience a world of taste in one satisfying dish.
Final Thoughts
We hope you give this Hearty Beef Stew with Broccoli Miso Purée a try and enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors. Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste and make it your own special dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze the Beef Stew and Broccoli Miso Purée Separately?
Yes, you can freeze them separately. I usually store the stew in airtight containers and the purée in freezer bags. This way, I maintain their flavors and textures. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy!
What Type of Red Wine Works Best for This Stew?
I love using a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for stews. They add a rich depth and complexity. Choose one you’d enjoy drinking, as its flavors will enhance the stew beautifully. Cheers!
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! I’d brown the beef first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The long, slow cooking will make the stew wonderfully rich and tender. Enjoy!
How Can I Make the Stew Gluten-Free?
To make the stew gluten-free, I’d skip the Worcestershire sauce, as it can contain gluten, and replace it with a gluten-free version. Ascertain all your ingredients, like beef stock and miso paste, are certified gluten-free.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Dish?
I’ve got a delicious vegetarian version for you! Swap beef with hearty mushrooms, use vegetable stock instead of beef, and add more root veggies. The broccoli miso purée stays the same, complementing the stew perfectly. Enjoy!
Hearty Beef Stew with Broccoli Miso Purée
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Blender
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 2 pound beef chuck cubed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 clove garlic minced
- 4 cup beef stock
- 2 cup water
- 1 cup red wine
- 3 large carrot sliced
- 2 large potato cubed
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoon miso paste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Brown the beef cubes in the pot, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the beef back into the pot.
- Pour in the beef stock, water, and red wine.
- Stir in the carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Meanwhile, steam the broccoli florets until tender.
- Blend the steamed broccoli with miso paste and heavy cream until smooth.
- Serve the beef stew hot with a dollop of broccoli miso purée on the side.
Notes
