Devonshire Beef Stew

Ingredients

While the original Ragù alla Bolognese is traditionally made with ground meat, the Devonshire Beef Stew features tender chunks of beef for a heartier texture. Additionally, the use of local Devon vegetables adds a touch of sweetness and freshness to the dish. The seasoning and spices are adjusted to suit the flavor preferences of Devon's cuisine, creating a unique twist on the classic Italian recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Ragù alla Bolognese, 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 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 250ml (1 cup) beef broth 250ml (1 cup) beef broth
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 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

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute to enhance its flavor.
4. 4.
   Return the beef to the pot and add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf before serving. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Devonshire Beef Stew hot, accompanied by crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef stew meat — Choose a tender cut of beef suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or stewing beef. Trim any excess fat before cubing.
• Tomato paste — Opt for a high-quality tomato paste to enhance the flavor of the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of balsamic vinegar to the stew.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.

Serving advice

Serve the Devonshire Beef Stew in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme leaves. Accompany it with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, consider serving the stew in individual cast-iron cocottes or rustic earthenware bowls. Sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs on top for a pop of color.