Guinness Stew Recipe: A Savory Comforting Dish for Cozy Nights
Category: Main Course
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef (preferably stew cuts) | 1 kg |
| Guinness Beer | 330 ml |
| Fresh Thyme | 3 sprigs |
| Fine Salt | 2 pinches |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Paprika | 1 pinch |
| Carrots | 170 g |
| All-Purpose Flour | 50 g |
| Tomato Paste | 40 g |
| Yellow Onions | 2 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 4 tbsp |
| Fresh Parsley | To taste |
| Garlic Cloves | 1 |
| Potatoes | 1 kg |
| Additional Salt | To taste |
Instructions
The Guinness stew is an incredibly rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal. Follow these steps to create a delicious, tender stew that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Prep the Beef: Start by cutting your beef into roughly 2 cm thick slices. Remove any excess fat to ensure the meat has a clean texture when cooked.
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Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and finely chop the onions. Clean and peel the carrots, then slice them into thick, round coins about 0.5 cm wide.
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Coat the Meat: Place the beef in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss well to ensure that each piece of meat is evenly coated with the oil.
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Season the Flour: In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour and season it with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika. This step will give your stew a nice, aromatic foundation.
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Dredge the Beef: Add the seasoned flour to the beef, mixing well so that the meat is thoroughly coated. The flour will help thicken the sauce later, giving it a rich texture.
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Sear the Beef: Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured beef in batches, ensuring you brown the pieces on all sides. Let them cook for about 15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even browning. This step is crucial for developing flavor through the Maillard reaction.
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Add the Aromatics: While the beef is searing, place the garlic clove under a knife and give it a gentle crush. Add it to the pan along with the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once the onions have softened, stir in the tomato paste, followed by 100 ml of hot water to loosen the paste. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
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Deglaze the Pan: Once the beef is browned and the aromatics have cooked, it’s time to add the Guinness beer. Pour the beer into the pan where the beef was seared, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This will help capture all the flavor that developed during the searing process. Let the beer simmer and reduce for about 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
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Combine the Ingredients: Transfer the beef and the Guinness mixture into a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the sliced carrots and the sprigs of thyme. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
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Simmer the Stew: Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let the stew cook for at least 2 hours on low heat, stirring occasionally. The beef will become incredibly tender, and the flavors will meld together into a rich, savory sauce.
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Prepare the Potatoes: While the stew is simmering, peel and boil the potatoes until they are soft and tender. Once cooked, mash them in a potato ricer while still hot. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
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Plate and Serve: Once the stew is ready and the beef is fall-apart tender, take the mashed potatoes and arrange them on your serving plates in the shape of a ring. Pour the Guinness stew into the center of the potato ring.
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Garnish and Enjoy: For the final touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the stew. This will add a burst of freshness to the rich, savory dish. Serve the Guinness stew while it’s piping hot, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this traditional dish.
Tips for the Perfect Guinness Stew:
- Beef Selection: Choose cuts of beef that are ideal for slow cooking, such as chuck or brisket, as they become tender and flavorful over time.
- Browning the Meat: Don’t skip the step of searing the beef; it’s essential for deepening the flavor of the stew.
- Thickening the Stew: If you find the stew too thin towards the end, simply simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Beer Choice: While Guinness is a classic choice, you can experiment with different stouts for varied flavor profiles. Just ensure the beer is dark and rich to complement the beef.
This Guinness stew is a comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, perfect for a chilly evening. The deep flavors of the beer and tender beef create a savory experience that’s both filling and satisfying. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for an even heartier meal, and you’ll have a dish your family will love.
