๐ฒ Artichoke Herbed Beef Stew for the Crock Pot ๐ฒ
History: Beef stew is a classic comfort food, and this particular recipe adds a unique twist by incorporating artichokes and aromatic herbs. The history of beef stew itself dates back centuries, with variations found in cuisines all over the world. Artichokes are believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region and have been enjoyed in various dishes for thousands of years. This recipe combines these elements to create a flavorful and hearty dish.
Components:
- 1 1/2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 1 can of artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Steps to Prepare:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Brown the meat in the skillet for a few minutes on each side until it’s nicely seared. This step adds flavor to the stew.
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Once the beef is browned, transfer it to the crock pot.
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In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sautรฉ for a few minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
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Add the sautรฉed onions and garlic to the crock pot with the beef.
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Now, add the quartered artichoke hearts, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the crock pot.
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Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using) to the mixture.
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Stir everything together in the crock pot, ensuring that all ingredients are well combined.
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Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Cooking times may vary based on your specific crock pot, so adjust accordingly.
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Check for seasoning, and add more salt and pepper if needed.
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When the stew is fully cooked, it should be tender and bursting with flavors from the herbs, artichokes, and beef.
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Serve your Artichoke Herbed Beef Stew hot, and enjoy with your favorite side dish or a slice of crusty bread!
Time Needed: The preparation for this dish usually takes about 20-30 minutes, and the cooking time varies depending on whether you choose low or high heat. Allow 7-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat for the stew to cook to perfection.
This comforting and flavorful Artichoke Herbed Beef Stew is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Enjoy! ๐ฝ๐ฅ๐จโ๐ณ
Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the Artichoke Herbed Beef Stew:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams
- Sugars: 3-5 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
- Cholesterol: 70-90 mg
- Sodium: 600-800 mg
- Potassium: 700-900 mg
- Vitamin A: 30-40% of daily value
- Vitamin C: 20-25% of daily value
- Calcium: 5-8% of daily value
- Iron: 20-25% of daily value
Health Information:
- Protein: Beef is a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Carbohydrates: The stew provides carbohydrates for energy, mainly from the vegetables.
- Dietary Fiber: The vegetables contribute to dietary fiber, which supports digestive health.
- Sugars: The small amount of sugar comes naturally from the vegetables and tomatoes.
- Fat: The dish contains moderate fat, with a balance of saturated and unsaturated fats.
- Cholesterol: The beef contributes to dietary cholesterol, so it’s important to consume in moderation.
- Sodium: This stew can be relatively high in sodium, so it may not be suitable for those on a low-sodium diet. You can reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium broth.
- Potassium: Potassium from ingredients like artichokes and potatoes can help with maintaining healthy blood pressure.
- Vitamins: This stew is a source of vitamins A and C, which are important for overall health and immune function.
- Iron: The beef in the stew provides a significant amount of iron, which is essential for carrying oxygen in the blood.
It’s important to note that the specific nutrition facts can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion size used. Additionally, individual dietary needs and restrictions should be considered when consuming this dish. If you have specific dietary concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.