how do i make......?

Question

a decent beef stew? my ex husband used to put tomatoe puree in why is this? and should lentils go in as well?

Answer 1

A few tips:
1) Use the right cut of beef - braising/stewing steak, flank, skirt or shin. You want something with an open texture
2) Don't cut the beef too small
3) Brown the meat thoroughly in oil (or better - dripping)
4) Use good vegetables - leeks, carrots, onion, celery all work well
5) Use alcohol - beer, guinness or red wine work well
6) Use stock, broth or consome rather than water or stock cubes (you can buy this in the supermaket)
7) Cook long and slow - never boil meat - always allow it to simmer as gently as possible

Answer 2

This beef stew with dumplings is one of my family's favorites:

1 lb. lean beef stew meat, cut in 1 1/2" cubes
1 1/2 tbsp. flour
2 tbsp. oil
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. thyme
2 med. onions, roughly chopped
3 lg. carrots, sliced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp tomato paste
1/2 c. beef broth
1/2 c red wine
Parsley Dumplings (recipe follows)

Dredge beef in flour; brown in deep heavy skillet in hot oil; stir in ginger and thyme. Add onions, carrots, bay leaf, tomato paste, broth and wine; bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover; simmer 1 1/2 hours or until meat is tender. Discard bay leaf. Drop tablespoonfuls dumpling batter onto hot stew. Cover; cook 12-15 minutes until pick inserted in dumplings comes out clean. Makes 4 servings.

PARSLEY DUMPLINGS:

1 1/2 c. flour
1/3 c. chopped parsley
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 c. milk
2 tbsp. oil
1 egg, slightly beaten

In medium bowl mix flour, parsley, baking powder and salt. Stir in remaining ingredients just until blended.

I've never made beef stew with lentils but I don't see why you couldn't. Honestly, I think the only requirement for beef stew is the beef - you can add any vegetables that you like. As far as tomato puree or paste goes, I found tomato paste adds a wonderful richness to most dishes, all you need is a tablespoon or less for a soup or a stew.

Answer 3

Add beef, pearl onions or diced onions, carrots, potatoes, string beans bring to a boil and add 2 packages of Lipton onion soup mix and let simmer for 2 hrs or until all vegetables are tender.

This stew is simple and the best.

Answer 4

My Grandma always started with a can of tomato soup and a can of cream of mushroom. It made the broth really rich. THen you add in some water, beef broth, browned stew meat and your veggies. Season to taste.

Answer 5

I would go with the girl in the Teddi H except she left out the dumplings, the absolute essential in ANY stew.

From the way you spell tomato, your ex wouldn't be Dan Quail would he?

PS, sorry Teddi H I've just dumped you in favour of mcc - her stew HAS got dumplings in!

Answer 6

Beef, water, potato's, onion, celery, and carrots and peas
add water to pot, add 3 knorr beef bouillon cubes, and 2 bay leaves, and pepper. put in beef and cook on med for about 2 hours, or until your beef is tender.. add celery carrots, and onion and cook for 1/2 hour on low, add potato's and peas, and cook for about 20 minutes, remove bay leaves, and mix flour and water together and add a little at a time stirring constantly until bubbly and thickened... stew!

Answer 7

Try using butter beans or lentils,and use boullion instead of the usual gravy powder. Cook it long and slow.

Answer 8

Try at www.beefyandlamby.co.uk/