Frequently Asked Questions
What type of beef is recommended for this stew?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes.
How much beef is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1 lb of cubed stew meat.
Why is the beef coated in flour before searing?
The beef is coated in a mixture of flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to help it brown during searing and eventually help thicken the stew.
How long should I sear the beef?
Sear the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned on all sides.
Which vegetables are sautรฉed after the beef is removed?
After searing the beef, you should sautรฉ the onion, garlic, celery, and mushrooms in the same pot.
How many garlic cloves are required for this stew?
The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves.
How many mushrooms should be added?
You should add 2 cups of sliced mushrooms to the aromatic medley.
How long does the stew simmer initially?
The stew should simmer covered for 2 hours after adding the liquids and seasonings but before adding the root vegetables.
What is the total simmering time for this recipe?
The total simmering time is approximately 3 hours: 2 hours for the base and an additional 1 hour after adding the potatoes and carrots.
What kind of beer is used in this stew?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of Guinness stout to provide a unique richness and deep flavor profile.
How much Guinness stout is added to the pot?
A standard 12-ounce portion of Guinness stout is used in this recipe.
How do you thicken the stew towards the end of cooking?
To thicken the stew, shake the reserved flour mixture with 1 cup of water in a jar and stir this slurry into the simmering stew.
What type of potatoes are suggested for the best results?
The recipe suggests using 1 1/2 lbs of Parisienne potatoes, which are small and pre-peeled.
Can I use baby carrots in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for approximately 170 g or about half a small bag of baby carrots.
Are frozen peas included in the beef stew?
Yes, you can incorporate 1/2 cup of frozen peas during the final hour of simmering if desired.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of tomato paste for depth and color.
When is the tomato paste added to the pot?
Tomato paste is added along with the beef, gravy mix, stout, and seasonings before the first 2-hour simmer.
Do I need to remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, you should remove the two bay leaves before serving the stew.
What is the recommended side dish for the Guinness beef stew?
It is best served hot with crusty bread to soak up the hearty gravy.
Is onion soup mix used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 envelope (13 g) of Lipton Onion Soup Mix as part of the seasoning.
Which specific beef gravy mix is recommended?
The recipe developer recommends using one 25 g package of Clubhouse Brown Gravy mix.
Does the recipe include Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for a savory, umami boost.
Is there any spice or heat in the flavor profile?
The stew includes 1 teaspoon of creole seasoning and 1 teaspoon of black pepper to provide a subtle savory kick.
Which dried herb is used as a primary seasoning?
A pinch of dried thyme is included in the aromatic seasoning mixture.
Are there other herbs used besides thyme?
Yes, the recipe also calls for a pinch of oregano and a pinch of basil.
How many celery stalks are needed?
You will need 2 stalks of celery, sliced into bite-sized pieces.
How much water is used in total for the stew?
A total of 2 cups of water is used: 1 cup for the initial stew liquid and 1 cup for the thickening slurry.
What type of oil is used for searing the meat?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for searing the beef and sautรฉing the vegetables.
How much flour is used for coating the beef?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of flour for the initial coating process.
What is the recommended heat setting for simmering the stew?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, the heat should be reduced to medium-low for the duration of the simmering.