Ingredient: Onions

Italian Beef Stew

DIGITAL CAMERABeef Stew warms the heart and fills the stomach. It’s a comfort food that that can even be romantic when shared with the one you love. This takes a bit of time, but it is worth every minute and step.

 

Italian Beef Stew
Print Recipe
An Italian-ized version of classic Beef Stew. Make it your own with wine, vegetable, and aromatics choices.
Servings
8
Servings
8
Italian Beef Stew
Print Recipe
An Italian-ized version of classic Beef Stew. Make it your own with wine, vegetable, and aromatics choices.
Servings
8
Servings
8
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Before you begin cooking, put your cooking vessel in the oven. Adjust the rack so that the covered pot will fit and slide in and out easily. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Heat a 5 -6 quart dutch oven. Add the bacon pieces and cook until the bacon is brown, but not crisp. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels. Leave the drippings in the pan and add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
  3. Cut the meat in 1-1/2 inch to 2 inch pieces. Dry on paper towels for at least 10 minutes (this helps the meat brown). Season the meat with salt and pepper just before browning.
  4. Brown the meat in batches turning to brown all sides. Put the browned meat into a bowl. If the pot is becoming dry, add additional olive oil. Set the bowl of browned meat aside.
  5. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and carrots to the pot and begin to cook over medium low heat. Add the bay leaf, rosemary, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, lemon zest and tomato paste. Cook, stirring often for 3 or 4 minutes. Return the bacon to the pot.
  6. Add the cup of red wine and stir to loosen the browned bits and de-glaze the pan. Continue to cook for a few minutes until things are smelling beautiful. Add the beef stock and water, (and a little more wine if you want). Bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Add the beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Cook until the mixture returns to a simmer. Once it is gently simmering, cover it and place in the oven. Cook covered for one hour.
  8. Remove the pot from the oven and add the onion wedges and sliced garlic. Mix gently, cover and return to the oven for another 30 minutes.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and add the mushrooms. Stir to gently combine. Cover and return to the oven.
  10. Check the meat after 45 minutes or so. The meat should be fork tender, but not falling apart. When the meat is perfect, remove the pot from the oven.
  11. Add the lemon juice and olives. Stir to incorporate. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl or ladle into individual dishes. Sprinkle with the parsley.
  12. This can be served as is with crusty bread or on top of your starch of choice; pasta, polenta, farro, etc.
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Cheddar Cheese and Ale Soup

Cheddar Cheese and Ale Soup
Print Recipe
Rich and creamy with the bold flavor of craft brewed ale.
Servings
6
Servings
6
Cheddar Cheese and Ale Soup
Print Recipe
Rich and creamy with the bold flavor of craft brewed ale.
Servings
6
Servings
6
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until lightly crisp. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
  2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally until cooked through, 7 -10 minutes. Remove from pot and drain on paper towels. Remove all drippings except a scant tablespoon.
  3. Add the onions and garlic and cook stirring frequently until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant but not brown. Add a small amount of the chicken stock to the pan to de-glaze it, scraping up any brown bits.
  4. Add the butter to the pot and allow it to melt. Add paprika, salt, pepper, chipotle and Worcestershire sauces. Stir to combine. Add the flour a little at a time. Stirring to combine after each addition. Once the flour is all incorporated, Allow to cook over low heat for a minute or two, stirring frequently.
  5. Add the chicken stock stirring to prevent lumps. Add the beer stirring as with the stock. Bring mixture just to a boil, Reduce the heat and simmer stirring occasionally until mixture thickens, 5-8 minutes.
  6. Add the bacon and chicken back into the pot. Simmer for a few minutes. Add the half & half and continue to cook over low heat until everything is hot and happy. Add the cheese a little at a time stirring until each addition melts.
  7. Ladle into bowls and serve.
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