If you’re eager to dive into cooking and want to start with something hearty and rewarding, a South African traditional beef stew might just be the perfect dish for you.
There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of beef stew on a chilly day.
This classic comfort food is packed with flavour, tender beef, and delicious vegetables, making it a perfect meal for the whole family.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about making a traditional beef stew, from gathering your ingredients to serving up a steaming hot masterpiece.
Even if you’re a complete beginner in the kitchen, fear not! We’ll break down each step into simple, easy-to-follow instructions.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6 people)
- 1 kg beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Serving ladle
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Brown the Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Working in batches, sear the beef on all sides until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent proper browning. Set the browned beef aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot you used to brown the beef, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly golden brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Flavor Builders:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly, to allow the flavours to meld.
4. Deglaze and Simmer:
- Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step adds extra flavour to the stew.
- Add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the beef is almost tender.
5. Add the Potatoes and Peas:
- Stir in the chopped potatoes and bring the stew back to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
- Taste the stew and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.
Tips for Perfect Beef Stew:
- Use the right cut of beef: Choose a well-marbled cut like chuck roast or stewing beef for the best flavour and tenderness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When browning the beef, do it in batches to ensure even browning.
- Deglaze the pan: Don’t skip this step! It adds incredible flavour to the final dish.
- Simmer low and slow: Patience is key! The longer the stew simmers, the more tender and flavourful the beef will become.
- Adjust the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or turnips to your liking.
- Thicken the stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, you can make a slurry with cornstarch and water and stir it into the pot in the last few minutes of cooking.
With these simple steps and helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master of traditional beef stew.
So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a delicious and comforting meal that everyone will love!