Savory Umami Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Dive into the rich flavors of this Savory Umami Beef Stew, perfect for cozy evenings and gatherings with family and friends. This hearty dish combines tender stewing beef, earthy root vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all slow-cooked to perfection. The addition of red wine and browning sauce elevates the umami experience, creating a stew that is not only delicious but also soul-warming. Whether served with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, this stew is sure to impress and satisfy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
stewing beef
2 lbs (cut into cubes)
flour
2-3 tablespoons (for dredging)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
olive oil
5 tablespoons (divided)
onion
1 large (chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
red wine
1 1/2 cups
beef broth
1 1/2 cups
russet potatoes or red potatoes
3 (chopped)
turnip
1 (peeled and chopped)
carrots
2 (sliced)
celery ribs
2 (chopped)
bay leaves
3
fresh coarse ground black pepper
1 teaspoon
parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
sliced mushrooms
1 cup
frozen peas
1/2 cup
browning sauce
1 teaspoon
cornstarch
2 teaspoons
water
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Begin by dredging the stewing beef in flour, ensuring an even coat. Season with salt and pepper.
2
In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add half of the beef cubes, ensuring they are not overcrowded for optimal browning. Cook until all sides are nicely browned, then remove them from the pan and transfer to a slow cooker.
3
Repeat the browning process with the remaining beef, adding another 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan if necessary. Once browned, add these to the slow cooker as well, along with any flavorful bits scraped from the bottom of the pan.
4
In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
5
Pour in the red wine, bringing it to a simmer for about 30 seconds to deglaze the pan, allowing all the flavors to meld. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
6
Add the chopped potatoes, turnip, carrots, celery, bay leaves, additional salt, and pepper to the slow cooker, mixing gently to combine all ingredients.
7
Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
8
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the freshly chopped parsley, sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, and browning sauce, stirring well to incorporate.
9
To thicken the stew, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
10
Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this robust Umami Beef Stew.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Umami Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
It is a hearty slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef, earthy root vegetables, red wine, and browning sauce for a rich, soul-warming flavor profile.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of stewing beef cut into cubes.
Why is the beef dredged in flour?
Dredging the beef in flour ensures an even coat for browning and helps thicken the stew during the slow-cooking process.
How much olive oil is required?
A total of 5 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics.
What vegetables are considered the 'root vegetables' in this stew?
The root vegetables included are russet or red potatoes, turnip, and carrots.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves.
What is the purpose of using red wine?
Red wine is used to deglaze the pan and elevate the umami experience of the stew.
How long should I cook the stew on high heat?
The stew should be cooked on high for 2 to 3 hours in a slow cooker.
How long should I cook the stew on low heat?
The stew should be cooked on low for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
When do I add the mushrooms and peas?
Add the sliced mushrooms and frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How do I thicken the stew consistency?
Mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew for the final 10-15 minutes.
What is the role of browning sauce in this recipe?
Browning sauce is added to enhance the color and depth of the umami flavors.
Can I use red potatoes instead of russets?
Yes, the recipe specifically allows for either 3 russet potatoes or 3 red potatoes.
How many bay leaves are used?
Three bay leaves are added to the slow cooker for aromatic seasoning.
What should I serve with this beef stew?
It is recommended to serve the stew with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
How much beef broth is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of beef broth.
How do I prepare the turnip?
The turnip should be peeled and chopped before being added to the slow cooker.
When is the fresh parsley added?
Add 1/2 cup of freshly chopped parsley in the last 30 minutes of the cooking process.
Do I need to brown the beef in batches?
Yes, brown half of the beef cubes at a time to ensure they are not overcrowded for optimal browning.
How much red wine is used for deglazing?
Use 1 1/2 cups of red wine to deglaze the frying pan.
How many celery ribs are required?
Two chopped celery ribs are used in this recipe.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 teaspoon of fresh coarse ground black pepper.
How long do I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them in the frying pan for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Is this a one-pot meal?
While it starts in a frying pan for browning, it is essentially a slow cooker one-pot style meal that combines meat and vegetables.
Is the beef cooked before going into the slow cooker?
The beef is browned on all sides in a pan but is fully cooked through in the slow cooker.
How many carrots do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 sliced carrots.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One large onion should be chopped before sautéing.
Can I use water to thicken the stew without cornstarch?
The recipe specifically uses a cornstarch and water mixture to achieve the desired thickness.
How much cornstarch is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, the description states it is perfect for gatherings with family and friends due to its satisfying and impressive nature.