Croatian Inspired Beef Stew
Embark on a culinary journey to Croatia with this sumptuous Beef Stew. This dish melds robustly-flavored beef with a delicate balance of aromatic vegetables and spices that echo the heart of Balkan cuisine. Croatia, a gem of culinary diversity, offers a distinctly rich and hearty cuisine, and this robust yet refined stew is a perfect example. Crafted with love and a touch of the Mediterranean, this dish is a perfect blend of savory, aromatic, and heartwarming flavors, and is ideal for a special dinner, particularly when the evening is cool, and the conversation is warm.
Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert
Preparation Time: 30 minutes, Cooking Time: 2 hours
Ingredients
- 400 grams of beef, cubed
- 100 grams of onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 100 grams of carrots, sliced
- 100 ml of red wine
- 30 ml of vinegar
- 80 grams of tomato paste
- 3 cloves, whole
- 2 bay leaves
- 30 ml of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 grams of chopped parsley for garnish
Method
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed beef and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced carrots and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in the tomato paste, vinegar, and whole cloves, and let it cook for 2 minutes.
- Return the browned beef to the pot, add bay leaves, and cover with water. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and let it cook over low heat for about 2 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld.
- Remove the bay leaves and cloves before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.
Tips
- To achieve the perfect texture, let the stew simmer slowly, ensuring the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Pair this stew with a rustic loaf of bread to soak up the aromatic sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, let it cook uncovered for the final 30 minutes to allow the liquid to reduce.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Per 100g | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 | 400 |
| Energy (kJ) | 420 | 1680 |
| Fat | 5g | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 32g |
| Sugars | 2g | 8g |
| Proteins | 10g | 40g |
| Salt | 0.5g</td
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