Savory Brandied Beef Stew with Mushrooms
Indulge in this comforting Savory Brandied Beef Stew, perfect for a cozy evening spent with loved ones. This delightful dish features tender beef stew meat simmered slowly in a rich and flavorful broth, enhanced by the warmth of brandy. Tender carrots and sweet onions contribute to the stew’s depth of flavor, while the addition of earthy mushrooms and fresh parsley at the end gives it a vibrant finish. Easy to prepare and even better when made ahead, this stew is ideal for chilly afternoons, and pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a crisp green salad. Enjoy a steaming bowlful of warmth and happiness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Beef stew meat
1 1/2 lbs (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
Flour
2 tablespoons (For coating the meat)
Garlic salt
1 teaspoon (To season the meat)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (For flavoring)
Dried basil
1/4 teaspoon (For flavoring)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To season the meat)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For cooking the beef)
Medium onion
1 (Cut into wedges)
Carrots
3 (Cut into chunks)
Beef broth
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (For the stew base)
Brandy
1/2 cup (For depth of flavor)
Small whole mushrooms
2 cups (Fresh or rinsed)
Chopped parsley
2 tablespoons (For garnish and freshness)
Instructions
1
Begin by sprinkling the beef stew meat evenly with flour, garlic salt, oregano, basil, and black pepper. Toss the meat well to ensure all pieces are coated.
2
In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated beef and sear until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3
Add the onion wedges and carrot chunks to the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in the beef broth and brandy, then stir gently to mix the ingredients.
4
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the stew to simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the beef is exceptionally tender.
5
In the final 10 minutes of cooking, add the small whole mushrooms and chopped parsley, stirring to incorporate. Let the stew simmer uncovered until the mushrooms are tender.
6
Serve the stew hot, accompanied by crusty bread and a light green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in Savory Brandied Beef Stew with Mushrooms?
The main protein is 1 1/2 lbs of beef stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces.
What ingredients are used to coat the beef before searing?
The beef is coated in a mixture of flour, garlic salt, dried oregano, dried basil, and black pepper.
How long should the beef stew simmer?
The stew should simmer covered on low heat for about 1.5 hours or until the beef is exceptionally tender.
What role does brandy play in this recipe?
Brandy is added to provide warmth and a significant depth of flavor to the rich broth.
When should the mushrooms be added to the pot?
Small whole mushrooms should be added in the final 10 minutes of cooking.
What type of pot is recommended for cooking this stew?
A Dutch oven or a large pot is ideal for preparing this recipe.
How should the onions and carrots be prepared?
The onion should be cut into wedges and the carrots should be cut into chunks.
What is used as the liquid base for the stew?
The base consists of one 14.5-ounce can of beef broth and 1/2 cup of brandy.
What is the purpose of flour in this recipe?
Flour is used to coat the beef, which helps with browning and slightly thickens the stew broth.
How much olive oil is needed?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to sear the coated beef.
Are the mushrooms cooked covered or uncovered?
In the final 10 minutes, the stew is simmered uncovered until the mushrooms are tender.
What finish is suggested for the stew?
The stew is finished with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant appearance and freshness.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a light, crisp green salad.
Can this stew be made ahead of time?
Yes, this stew is excellent when made ahead as the flavors continue to develop.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of small whole mushrooms, either fresh or rinsed.
What are the specific spices used in the coating?
The spices include 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is the beef seared before adding liquid?
Yes, the beef is seared in olive oil until browned on all sides before adding the broth and brandy.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe requires 3 carrots cut into chunks.
What size should the onion be?
One medium onion is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried for the coating?
The recipe specifies dried oregano and basil for the initial coating of the meat.
What is the first step in preparing the meat?
The first step is sprinkling the meat with flour and seasonings and tossing well to coat.
How much brandy is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of brandy.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
The stew should be simmered on a low heat setting.
Is the beef broth canned or fresh?
The recipe suggests one 14.5-ounce can of beef broth.
What kind of oil is used?
Olive oil is used for searing the meat.
What is the texture of the beef after cooking?
After simmering for 1.5 hours, the beef should be exceptionally tender.
How much parsley is used?
Two tablespoons of chopped parsley are used for the final stage of cooking.
Is this a good recipe for cold weather?
Yes, it is specifically described as ideal for chilly afternoons and as a comfort food.
Can the mushrooms be substituted?
While the recipe calls for mushrooms, you could omit them, though they provide an earthy finish.
What type of garlic seasoning is used?
Garlic salt is used to season the meat directly.