Traditional Crock Pot Beef Stew
Description:
This timeless recipe, passed down through generations, originated from the humble pages of our crock pot’s manual, a relic of kitchen wisdom cherished for over 15 years. Picture this: returning home from a day of skiing to the comforting aroma of hearty stew wafting through the air, beckoning with promises of warmth and nourishment. But wait, there’s a twist – a delightful serving suggestion straight from the annals of my husband’s family lore. Picture your steaming bowl of stew crowned with a dollop of creamy cottage cheese, adorned with a sprinkle of seasoned salt. Strange? Perhaps. Delicious? Undoubtedly! Venture into this culinary realm if you dare, especially if you’re a fan of cottage cheese. And if you prefer your stew with a thicker consistency, here’s a little tip: leave the lid ajar during the final half-hour of cooking, and crank up the heat to high for a velvety texture that clings to every morsel.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 onions
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp paprika
- 4 carrots
- 3 potatoes
- Cottage cheese (for serving)
- Frozen peas (added during the last hour of cooking)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 689.8
- Fat: 39.5g
- Saturated Fat: 15.6g
- Cholesterol: 157.6mg
- Sodium: 917.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 35.9g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 6.6g
- Protein: 46.1g
Instructions:
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Prep: Begin by placing the succulent beef stew meat into the waiting embrace of your trusty crock pot, setting the stage for a symphony of flavors to unfold.
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Flour Fusion: In a small bowl, unite the flour, salt, and pepper in a harmonious blend, ensuring that each grain of flour is imbued with the essence of seasoning.
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Coating Ceremony: Drizzle this seasoned flour mixture over the beef, and with gentle yet purposeful strokes, coat each tender piece with its floury armor, ready to withstand the slow dance of flavors ahead.
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Unity in Diversity: Now, gather the remaining cast of characters – the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onions, celery, bay leaf, paprika, carrots, and potatoes – and invite them to join the ensemble within the crock pot, where they will mingle and meld into a symphony of savory delight.
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Culinary Alchemy: With a sense of anticipation, cover the pot, setting the stage for the slow transformation that will unfold over the next 10 to 12 hours, as flavors meld and intensify with each passing moment.
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Pea Perfection: As the final act approaches, introduce the frozen peas to the mix, a burst of vibrant color and freshness that will elevate the stew to new heights of culinary excellence. Add them during the last hour of cooking, allowing them to infuse their essence into the bubbling cauldron of goodness.
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Grand Finale: With the stage set and the audience waiting with bated breath, stir the contents of the pot with a sense of reverence and anticipation, ensuring that every spoonful holds a symphony of flavors waiting to be savored.
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Serving Sensation: Ladle the steaming stew into awaiting bowls, each serving a testament to the artistry and tradition that has guided this recipe through generations. And here comes the pièce de résistance – a generous scoop of creamy cottage cheese, crowned with a sprinkle of seasoned salt, a tantalizing twist that elevates this humble stew to a culinary masterpiece.
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Bon Appétit!: With a flourish and a smile, serve up this labor of love to eager diners, inviting them to partake in a feast that transcends mere sustenance, embodying the warmth and comfort of home in every spoonful. For in this simple act of sharing a meal, we honor not just the flavors of the past, but the bonds of family and tradition that enrich our lives each day.
