Moldovan Beef Stew with Vegetables

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot 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 cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and dried thyme, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. 4.
   Add the carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf from the stew. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Moldovan Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef stew meat — For a more tender result, choose cuts of beef that are suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or brisket.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the beef in a mixture of red wine, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water and add it to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable medley by adding your favorite seasonal vegetables to the stew.

Serving advice

Serve the Moldovan Beef Stew with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.