Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl
A comforting and filling meal combining tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and savory broth served in a delightful bread bowl.
Ingredients
For the Beef Stew
- 1 pound 1 pound (about 450g) beef stew meat, cubed
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For searing the beef
- 1 medium 1 onion, chopped
- 2 medium 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup 1 cup frozen peas Add during last 10 minutes of cooking
- 1 leaf 1 bay leaf Remove before serving
- to taste Salt and black pepper, to taste
- to taste Fresh thyme and parsley for garnish
For the Bread Bowls
- 4 pieces Individual round bread loaves (often called bread bowls)
- to taste Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
Sear the Beef
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Toss the cubed beef with the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the beef in the pot until it's browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic.
- Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and fragrant, usually for about 5 minutes.
Simmer the Stew
- Return the seared beef to the pot.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the diced potatoes and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld.
- Stir in the frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Prepare the Bread Bowls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice off the top of each round bread loaf and hollow out the center, creating a bowl.
- Brush the inside of the bread bowls with olive oil.
- Place the bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until they become slightly crispy and golden.
Serve and Enjoy
- Discard the bay leaf from the beef stew.
- Ladle the beef stew into the prepared bread bowls.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and parsley.
- Serve immediately and savor the warmth and heartiness of Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl.
Notes
This recipe offers the perfect blend of flavors and textures. It's a complete meal that combines the richness of a well-cooked stew with the rustic charm of a bread bowl. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.