Beef and Guinness Stew

Beef and Guinness Stew is a traditional Irish dish known for its rich and hearty flavors. The stew is typically made with beef, vegetables, and Guinness beer, which adds a deep, robust flavor. Here’s a basic recipe for Beef and Guinness Stew:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp flour
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.9 oz) Guinness beer
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried thyme)
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Dust them with flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Brown the Beef:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add Tomato Paste:
   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, which helps to caramelize it and enhance its flavor.
5. Deglaze with Guinness:
   • Pour in the Guinness beer, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add Broth and Vegetables:
   • Add the beef broth, browned beef, carrots, potatoes, celery, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
7. Simmer the Stew:
   • Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed to keep everything submerged.
8. Finish and Serve:
   • Once the stew is done, remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Beef and Guinness Stew is often served with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over a bed of creamy polenta. It’s a perfect dish for cold weather or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Beef and Guinness Stew!