Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Wine-Braised Beef Stew?
It is a hearty dish inspired by traditional 'boeuf en daube a la provencale' that combines Burgundy wine, beef, and a variety of aromatic herbs and vegetables.
What traditional dish inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the French classic 'boeuf en daube a la provencale'.
How long should I marinate the beef?
The beef should be marinated for 10 hours or overnight for optimal flavor infusion.
What type of wine is best for this beef stew?
Burgundy wine is recommended to provide the rich, traditional flavor characteristic of this dish.
What ingredients are used in the marinade?
The marinade consists of Burgundy wine, sliced carrots, thinly sliced onions, red wine vinegar, and olive oil.
How do I make the bouquet garni for this stew?
Place garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, cloves, juniper berries, thyme, marjoram, and fennel seed in cheesecloth and tie it securely with kitchen string.
What specific herbs are included in the bouquet garni?
The bouquet garni includes dried thyme and dried marjoram.
What spices are included in the bouquet garni?
It includes bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, whole cloves, juniper berries, and fennel seed.
What is the recommended cooking vessel for this recipe?
A heavy Dutch oven is recommended for slow-cooking this stew to perfection.
Do I need to cook the bacon first?
Yes, the bacon should be cooked over medium heat until crisp, then removed and crumbled to be added later.
What should I do with the bacon drippings?
Leave the drippings in the pot to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables for extra flavor.
How should I prepare the beef after marination?
Drain the beef, reserving the marinade and bouquet garni, and pat the meat dry with paper towels before browning.
At what temperature should the stew be baked?
The stew should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How long does the beef stew take to bake?
The stew needs to bake for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours until the beef is tender.
When should the olives be added?
The sliced black olives should be stirred in and heated through after the pot is removed from the oven.
How is the stew sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by stirring in a smooth paste made from softened butter, flour, salt, and pepper into the hot liquid.
What are the ingredients for the thickening paste?
The paste consists of 3 tablespoons of softened butter, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
Use 2 pounds of beef stew meat cut into 1-inch pieces.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The 4 medium carrots should be sliced into 1/2 inch pieces.
Should the canned tomatoes be drained?
No, the 16-ounce can of diced tomatoes should be added undrained, using the juice for the stew liquid.
What do I do with the bouquet garni after cooking?
The bouquet garni should be discarded once the cooking process is complete.
What side dishes pair well with this stew?
This dish is excellent when served with crusty bread or creamy polenta.
Can this stew be eaten as leftovers?
Yes, this dish makes for excellent leftovers and the flavors often develop further the next day.
How many calories are in one serving of this stew?
There are approximately 480 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 27 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 26 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 22 grams of protein.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves, halved, for the bouquet garni.
What type of vinegar is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
How much beef broth is needed?
One cup of beef broth is required to complete the cooking liquid.