Rich and Hearty English Spiced Beef Stew
Experience the warmth and comfort of a traditional English Spiced Beef Stew, loaded with tender chunks of stewing beef and a variety of fresh vegetables. This stew is an exquisite balance of flavors, featuring aromatic spices that enhance the rich broth while remaining smooth and inviting. Perfect for gatherings, this dish is even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep. Serve it with crusty bread for a fulfilling meal that will leave your family asking for seconds. Don't be surprised if you find yourself reaching for a bowl or two—it's that good!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
stewing beef
1 lb (cut into 1-inch cubes)
flour
as needed (for dredging)
boiling water
2 1/2 cups (none)
beef bouillon cubes
2 (none)
garlic clove
1 small (crushed)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
allspice
1 dash (none)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon (none)
tomato juice
1/4 cup (none)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
carrot
1/2 cup (sliced)
potato
1 cup (cubed)
celery
1/2 cup (diced)
Instructions
1
Begin by coating the stewing beef with flour, ensuring it's evenly dusted.
2
Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat.
3
Add the floured beef to the pot, browning on all sides for about 5-7 minutes to create a rich color.
4
Once browned, carefully pour in the boiling water, adding beef bouillon cubes and stirring until dissolved.
5
Crush the garlic clove and add it to the pot, along with salt, pepper, paprika, allspice, sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato juice.
6
Stir the mixture well, then cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, and add more water or broth if necessary to maintain your desired consistency.
7
After 2 hours, add the chopped onion, sliced carrot, cubed potato, and diced celery to the pot.
8
Cover again and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
9
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rich and Hearty English Spiced Beef Stew?
It is a traditional English comfort dish featuring tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a broth seasoned with aromatic spices like allspice and paprika.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for stewing beef, which should be cut into 1-inch cubes for optimal tenderness after simmering.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
How long does the beef need to cook before adding vegetables?
The beef should be simmered on low heat for 2 hours to ensure it becomes tender before the vegetables are introduced.
What spices are used to flavor the stew?
The stew is flavored with a combination of garlic, paprika, allspice, salt, and pepper.
Why is the beef coated in flour before cooking?
Coating the beef in flour helps it brown better and acts as a thickening agent for the stew's gravy.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is excellent for meal prep and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
What should I serve with English Spiced Beef Stew?
It is traditionally served hot with crusty bread to soak up the rich, spiced broth.
What vegetables are included in this stew?
The vegetable components include onions, carrots, potatoes, and celery.
How do I brown the beef correctly?
Heat oil in a Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat and cook the floured beef for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
What liquid base is used for the stew?
The base consists of boiling water mixed with beef bouillon cubes and a quarter cup of tomato juice.
When do I add the onions and carrots?
The onions, carrots, potatoes, and celery should be added after the beef has already simmered for 2 hours.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
Once the vegetables are added, cover the pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes until they are tender.
Is there a secret ingredient for the flavor balance?
A small amount of sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce are used to balance the savory and acidic notes.
Do I need a Dutch oven to make this?
A Dutch oven is recommended for even heat, but any large stockpot with a lid will work.
How much tomato juice is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of tomato juice.
Can I adjust the consistency of the broth?
Yes, you can add more water or beef broth during the simmering process to achieve your desired thickness.
What does the allspice add to the dish?
The allspice provides a unique, warm, and aromatic quality that distinguishes this as an English-style spiced stew.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The recipe calls for one small garlic clove that should be crushed before being added to the pot.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, beef stew freezes well in airtight containers for future meals.
What is the total simmering time for the beef?
The total simmering time is approximately 2.5 hours: 2 hours for the meat alone and 30 minutes with the vegetables.
Can I use beef broth instead of bouillon cubes?
Yes, you can substitute the 2.5 cups of boiling water and 2 bouillon cubes with 2.5 cups of pre-made beef broth.
How should the carrots be cut?
The carrots should be sliced into rounds.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be cut into 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook through within 30 minutes.
What type of oil should I use for browning?
Any neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, is suitable.
Is this stew very spicy?
No, despite the name 'spiced beef,' it uses aromatic spices for flavor rather than heat.
Can I add more vegetables like peas?
Yes, you can customize the stew by adding other vegetables like peas or parsnips during the final cooking stage.
Does the flour need to be seasoned?
The recipe suggests dusting the beef with flour; you can add a pinch of salt and pepper to the flour if preferred.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice?
Lemon juice provides a touch of acidity that brightens the heavy, savory flavors of the beef and broth.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely, just ensure your pot is large enough to hold the doubled volume and maintain a steady simmer.