Savory Louisiana Beef Stew
This hearty and flavorful Louisiana Beef Stew is a delightful dish inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the South. The combination of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a unique blend of spices offers an unforgettable comfort food experience. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this stew simmers slowly to develop deep flavors, with the addition of molasses providing a hint of sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Adapted for the stovetop but easily convertable to a slow cooker for convenient meals, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy it with crusty bread or over rice for a soul-satisfying meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bottom round beef roast
1 lb (cut into 1 inch chunks)
Flour
2 tablespoons (for dredging beef)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Onion
1 small (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Carrots
2 (thinly sliced)
Potato
1 lb (cut into 1/2 inch dice)
Diced tomatoes
3 cups (with their juices)
Molasses
3 tablespoons
Red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons
Ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon
Salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by dredging the beef chunks in flour to ensure they brown nicely during cooking. Preheat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
2
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the floured beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the browned beef from the pot and transfer it to a plate, setting it aside.
3
Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
4
Next, add the sliced carrots to the pot and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Now add the diced potatoes, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, molasses, red wine vinegar, ground ginger, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for approximately 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
7
Finally, return the browned beef to the pot, stir gently, cover once again, and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the flavors meld beautifully.
8
Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Louisiana Beef Stew, ideally with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Louisiana Beef Stew?
Savory Louisiana Beef Stew is a hearty dish inspired by Southern culinary traditions, combining tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and unique spices like molasses.
What cut of beef is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of bottom round beef roast.
How should the beef be prepared?
The beef should be cut into 1 inch chunks and dredged in flour before cooking.
Why is the beef dredged in flour?
Dredging the beef in flour helps it to brown nicely when sautéed in the pot.
What is the recommended heat for browning beef?
The pot should be preheated over medium-high heat for browning the beef.
How long should the beef brown?
The beef should be browned for about 3-4 minutes per side until it is golden brown.
What type of oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How should the onion be prepared?
You should use one small onion that has been finely chopped.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The stew requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
How long should the onion and garlic sauté?
They should be sautéed for 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
How should the carrots be sliced?
The two carrots should be thinly sliced.
How long do the carrots cook initially?
After adding them to the onions and garlic, cook the carrots for an additional 3 minutes.
What size should the potatoes be cut?
The potatoes should be cut into 1/2 inch dice.
How many cups of diced tomatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of diced tomatoes.
Should I include the tomato juices?
Yes, the tomatoes should be added to the pot along with their juices.
How much molasses is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of molasses.
What is the purpose of adding molasses?
Molasses provides a hint of sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes in the stew.
What kind of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
How much ground ginger is added?
The stew includes 3/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How long does the stew simmer initially?
The stew should simmer covered for approximately 30 minutes.
How do I know when the potatoes are ready?
The potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender.
When do I return the beef to the pot?
Return the beef to the pot after the initial 30-minute simmer once the potatoes are tender.
How long is the final simmering stage?
The final simmer takes 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the beef to cook through.
How many servings does this stew make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What are the suggested serving options?
This stew is best served with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
Can this recipe be adapted for a slow cooker?
Yes, the recipe is easily convertible to a slow cooker for convenient cooking.
Is this beef stew good for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for meal prep.
What makes the flavor of this stew unique?
The unique flavor comes from a combination of molasses, red wine vinegar, and ground ginger.
How many pounds of potatoes are used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of potatoes.
What type of cookware is recommended?
A large pot or a Dutch oven is recommended for this stovetop recipe.