Ingredients:

• 1 kg beef (cut into pieces as shown in the video)
• 500 ml milk (for marinating the beef)
• 80 g butter
• 50 ml olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 200 g mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 30 ml soy sauce
• 500 ml water
• 30 g starch
• 100 ml water (to dissolve the starch)
• Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Green onion, chopped (for garnish)

Steps to Make Beef and Mushroom Stew:

1. Marinate the Beef: Begin by cutting the beef into pieces as shown in the video. Place the beef in a large bowl and pour the milk over it. Allow the beef to marinate in the milk for about 20 minutes. The milk will tenderize the meat, making it more succulent and flavorful. After 20 minutes, remove the beef from the milk and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the beef will brown properly when frying.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 50 ml of olive oil over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Once the butter is hot and foamy, add the beef in batches, ensuring the pieces don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the beef until it’s golden brown on all sides. This step helps to develop a rich, caramelized flavor on the beef, which will add depth to the stew.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef is browning, prepare the vegetables. Chop the onion and carrot into pieces as shown in the video. Slice the mushrooms and finely chop the garlic. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and carrot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add Mushrooms and Seasoning: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and continue to sauté until they soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the bay leaves, salt, black pepper, and any additional pepper to taste. The seasoning will begin to infuse the vegetables, creating a savory base for the stew.
6. Deglaze with Soy Sauce and Water: Pour in 30 ml of soy sauce and mix well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds a rich umami flavor to the stew. Next, add 500 ml of water and stir to combine all the ingredients.
7. Simmer the Stew: Return the browned beef to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld.
8. Thicken the Stew: While the stew is simmering, mix 30 g of starch with 100 ml of water to create a slurry. Once the stew has cooked for 30 minutes, slowly pour the starch mixture into the pot while stirring constantly. This will help thicken the sauce and give the stew a rich, velvety texture. Let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the starch to fully thicken the broth.
9. Final Touches: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish the stew with freshly chopped parsley and green onion before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes for marinating the beef.

Cooking Time:

• 30 minutes for simmering the stew after browning the beef.

Total Time:

• Approximately 1 hour (including marinating time).

Servings:

• Serves 4-6 people.

Explanation of the Recipe and Why It’s Timeless:

Beef and mushroom stew is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. The combination of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and savory vegetables is a comforting, balanced meal that feels both luxurious and homey. This recipe is timeless because it’s versatile and can be adapted to different tastes and preferences. The use of soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves gives the dish a deep, complex flavor, while the creamy texture of the milk-marinated beef adds a richness that makes every bite indulgent. The addition of starch helps thicken the sauce, resulting in a luscious, velvety broth that coats the beef and vegetables perfectly.

This stew has a timeless quality because it’s a dish that appeals to everyone—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special family meal. The simplicity of the ingredients allows for a comforting, easy-to-make dish, while the slow simmering process helps develop deep flavors that make this stew stand out. Additionally, the recipe can be easily modified to suit different preferences, such as adding extra vegetables or using a different type of meat.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different type of meat for this stew? A: Yes, you can substitute the beef with lamb, pork, or even chicken. However, cooking times may vary depending on the type of meat used.

Q: Can I freeze this stew? A: Yes, this stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Q: Can I make this stew vegetarian? A: Yes, you can replace the beef with mushrooms or another plant-based protein such as tofu. Vegetable broth can be used instead of water for added flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Beef and Mushroom Stew:

1. Searing the beef: Make sure to sear the beef in batches to ensure it browns evenly. Crowding the pan will cause the beef to steam instead of sear.
2. Marinating the beef: Letting the beef marinate in milk helps tenderize the meat, ensuring it remains juicy and soft throughout the cooking process.
3. Simmering: Slow and low is the key to making a rich, flavorful stew. Don’t rush the simmering process, as this is when the flavors meld and the beef becomes tender.
4. Seasoning: Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end. The soy sauce adds saltiness, so make sure to taste before adding too much extra salt.

Storage Tips:

• Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day.
• If freezing, make sure to cool the stew completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over low heat.

Conclusion:

This Beef and Mushroom Stew recipe is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day, and its rich, savory flavors make it a meal that will be enjoyed by all. The combination of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and flavorful vegetables creates a balanced dish that is both comforting and satisfying. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation method, it’s a timeless recipe that brings people together around the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a dish to impress guests, this stew is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and experience the hearty, rich flavors that make this dish so irresistible!