Maltese-style Slow-cooked Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef stew meat, cubed 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine 1 cup red wine
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 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): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 6g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the beef stew meat to the pot and brown it on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute to enhance its flavor.
4. 4.
   Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
5. 5.
   Add the potatoes, carrots, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Maltese-style slow-cooked beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef stew meat — For the best results, choose a cut of beef that is suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or brisket. Trim any excess fat before cubing the meat to ensure a leaner stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the beef in the spice mixture overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stew based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
• This stew can also be made in a slow cooker for added convenience.

Serving advice

Serve the Maltese-style slow-cooked beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy couscous. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a deep bowl or on a large platter to showcase the hearty chunks of beef and vibrant vegetables.