Beef Stew

### **Instructions:**

#### **Step 1: Brown the Beef**
1. **Season the beef:** Begin by seasoning the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
2. **Sear the beef:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. This step builds the rich, caramelized flavor in the stew. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

#### **Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
1. **Cook the onions and garlic:** In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-5 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the stew.
2. **Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery:** Stir in the chopped carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften and absorb the flavors.

#### **Step 3: Build the Stew**
1. **Deglaze with wine:** If using wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol.
2. **Add the broth and seasonings:** Add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to combine, making sure the tomato paste dissolves fully into the broth.
3. **Return the beef:** Add the browned beef cubes back into the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer.

#### **Step 4: Slow-Cook the Stew**
1. **Simmer the stew:** Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
2. **Check the seasoning:** Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. You can also add a splash more broth if you prefer a soupier consistency.

#### **Step 5: Add the Peas (Optional)**
1. **Add peas:** About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas if using. This adds a burst of color and sweetness to the dish.

#### **Step 6: Serve**
1. **Garnish and serve:** Once the stew is ready, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of brightness and color.

### **Why This Recipe Works:**
– **Beef chuck for tenderness:** The beef chuck is ideal for stews due to its marbling, which breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.
– **Slow-cooked flavor:** The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a depth of flavor that can’t be rushed.
– **Vegetable-packed:** Carrots, potatoes, and celery add heartiness and balance to the dish, making it a one-pot meal that’s both filling and satisfying.

### **Tips for Success:**
– **Patience is key:** Stews are best when given time to cook low and slow, so don’t rush the process. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.
– **Make it ahead:** This beef stew actually tastes better the next day, so consider making it a day in advance. The flavors continue to develop overnight.
– **Thickening the stew:** If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash a few of the potatoes in the pot or make a slurry with flour or cornstarch to add toward the end of cooking.
– **Adjust the vegetables:** Feel free to customize the stew with other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or rutabaga for added variety.

### **Serving Suggestions:**
– Serve this stew with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
– For a heartier dinner, you can serve it over buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

### **Conclusion:**
Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. With its tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich, flavorful broth, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week. Easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd, this beef stew is a timeless classic that will never go out of style. So grab a pot, get cooking, and enjoy the comforting goodness of a homemade beef stew!