European-style Creamy Beef Stew

Ingredients

In this European adaptation of Guatita, we replace the traditional tripe with tender beef, giving the stew a heartier and more familiar taste. The European version also incorporates a creamy sauce, which adds a luxurious and velvety texture to the dish. Additionally, we use European herbs and spices to enhance the flavors, giving the stew a distinct European twist. We alse have the original recipe for Guatita, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 500ml (2 cups) beef broth 500ml (2 cups) beef broth
• 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 16g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat.
4. 4.
   Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
5. 5.
   Return the beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
6. 6.
   Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaves and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef stew meat — For a more tender result, choose a marbled cut of beef such as chuck or blade roast. You can also use pre-cut stew meat for convenience.
• Heavy cream — If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. However, keep in mind that it will alter the richness and creaminess of the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For added depth of flavor, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the beef.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the simmering stew, stirring until thickened.
• Feel free to customize the stew by adding vegetables like mushrooms or peas for extra texture and flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to meld even further.
• Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the European-style creamy beef stew in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of cream on top of the stew and sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley. Serve it in a rustic ceramic bowl for a cozy and inviting look.