The secrets to a perfect stew!

How can you ensure that your stew always meets your expectations? In this article, we give you some foolproof tips to ensure your stews and stews impress with every bite. Prepare to treat yourself to tasty and comforting dishes with these simple but effective tips.

1. Opt for slow-cooked meat

When meat is slowly cooked with a juice or sauce, the collagen present in the muscle tissue gradually transforms into gelatin, making the piece more tender as it simmers. Start your stew in the morning and let it simmer all day while you go about your daily life. The good thing about stews is that they don't require any attention while cooking. When you come home in the evening, your house will be filled with a delicious smell and your dinner will be ready to enjoy!

2. Choose suitable vegetables

Opt for seasonal vegetables to enrich your stews with local flavors. Turnips, carrots, potatoes and other root vegetables cut into 1-inch pieces are perfect for slow cooking. For vegetables that require less cooking time, like peppers, cut them into larger pieces or add them later in the cooking process.

3. Select flavors wisely

Fresh herbs and whole spices are essential for enhancing the flavor of your stew. Avoid dried or ground herbs and spices, which lose flavor during prolonged cooking. Instead, add them at the end of cooking to adjust the seasoning.

4. Layering Ingredients

Arrange the vegetables at the bottom of your dish or slow cooker, near the sides. Place the meat on top. For delicate vegetables, add them 30 to 45 minutes before the end of cooking. Pour in the liquid indicated in the recipe and complete with the flavorings for a successful preparation.

5. Prepare in advance

Beef stews are also perfect for entertaining because they benefit from being prepared a day in advance, giving the flavors time to blend. Before serving, simply reheat the stew slowly in the oven, microwave, or slow cooker without last-minute stress.

6. Brown before simmering

Browning cubes of meat before simmering enriches the taste and color of a stew.

7. Use flour for seasoning

If you wish, you can roll the beef cubes in seasoned flour before browning them. Dusting them with flour once they are cooked is an easier method and one that leaves less residue in the pan.

8. Avoid overloading the pan

Overcrowding the pan with meat when browning will cause the meat to boil rather than brown.

9. Baking tools

A heavy-bottomed pot and tight-fitting lid are necessary for successful braising. A Creuset type enameled cast iron pot is ideal.

10. Cooking

The secret to a good stew is in the simmering, so you need to allow time to allow your stew to fully develop its flavors. Set the oven to 325°F to ensure consistent cooking. A slow cooker also gives a good result.

By applying these tips, you will be able to prepare stews that will delight your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to try our recipe below to put these tips into practice! We have several meat cube options for all tastes and budgets.

Meat cube stew recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 lbs of simmering meat cubes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lb red potatoes, cut into quarters
• 4 carrots, cut into slices
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 cups of beef broth
• 2 tbsp. tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 C. tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 C. teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 C. teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 C. teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 C. teaspoon caraway seeds, optional
• 2 bay leaves
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp. tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the meat cubes with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Brown the meat evenly in the pan, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Place meat, vegetables and seasonings in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the beef stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika, caraway seeds and bay leaves. Season.
5. Cover and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
6. In a small bowl, combine flour and 1/2 cup stew broth. Add this mixture to the slow cooker.
7. Cover and cook over high heat for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
8. Serve garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Enjoy your food !