Beef Stew (Spezzatino di Manzo) Recipe
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 4
A rich, flavorful beef stew made with tender chunks of beef, simmered in a savory broth infused with aromatic herbs, and finished with a splash of red wine. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef (chuck or stewing cuts) | 1 kg |
| Beef broth | 5 liters |
| Onion | 1 large |
| Carrot | 1 medium |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Red wine | 1 cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 4 tbsp |
| Butter | 30g |
| All-purpose flour | 30g |
| Fresh rosemary | 1 sprig |
| Fresh thyme | 1 sprig |
| Fresh sage | 3 leaves |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | ~35g |
| Carbohydrates | ~10g |
| Fat | ~30g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~800mg |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Herb Bundle:
Begin by preparing the aromatic herbs for the stew. Take a sprig of fresh rosemary, a sprig of fresh thyme, and three leaves of sage, and tie them together using a piece of kitchen twine. This herb bundle will infuse the broth with a deep, earthy flavor as the stew simmers. -
-
Cut the Beef:
Next, cut the beef into 4-5 cm cubes. Choose cuts of beef suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or stewing beef, as they will become tender after hours of simmering in the broth. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery. These vegetables will form the aromatic base for the stew and contribute to its rich flavor profile. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large casserole or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables gently for about 10 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized. If necessary, add a small amount of hot beef broth to prevent the vegetables from sticking or burning. -
Brown the Beef:
Once the vegetables have softened, increase the heat and add the beef cubes to the pot. Sear the beef for about 10 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally to ensure they are browned on all sides. This step helps to lock in the flavors and juices of the meat. -
Season and Dust with Flour:
Season the beef with salt and black pepper to taste. Once the beef is well browned, sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetables, stirring it in to coat the beef evenly. Let the flour toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning. The flour will help thicken the stew later. -
Deglaze with Red Wine:
Pour in the red wine, allowing it to deglaze the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these add depth and flavor to the stew. Let the wine simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the liquid to reduce slightly. -
Add the Broth and Herb Bundle:
Add the beef broth to the pot, ensuring the meat is fully submerged. Toss in the prepared herb bundle and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a slight gap for steam to escape, and let it simmer gently. -
Simmer the Stew:
Allow the stew to cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. During this time, the beef will become tender, and the flavors will meld together. If the liquid level gets too low, add more hot beef broth to keep the meat covered and prevent it from drying out. -
Final Seasoning:
Once the stew has finished cooking and the beef is tender, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the herb bundle and discard it. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can continue to simmer the stew uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to reduce the broth further. -
Serve:
Ladle the beef stew into bowls and serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Beef Stew:
- Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Tough cuts like chuck or brisket are ideal for stews because they break down during the slow cooking process, becoming tender and flavorful.
- Slow and Steady Cooking: Low and slow is key when making stew. Allowing the meat to simmer for 2 hours ensures the beef becomes meltingly tender and infused with the flavors of the broth and herbs.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or turnips for additional flavor and texture.
- Rest the Stew: If you have time, let the stew sit for a few hours or even overnight. Stews often taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop further.
This Spezzatino di Manzo is the perfect comforting meal for a cold winter’s evening, or whenever you need a dish that brings family and friends together. The combination of tender beef, aromatic herbs, and savory broth makes this dish truly satisfying. Enjoy it with your loved ones, and savor every bite!
