Wild Mushroom Beef Stew

This rich and hearty Wild Mushroom Beef Stew is perfect for cold days when you need something warm and comforting. Combining tender chunks of beef, a medley of wild mushrooms, and aromatic vegetables, this stew brings together rustic flavors with an earthy twist. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the mushrooms infuse a deep, umami richness into the broth. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of this deliciously savory stew.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup wild mushrooms (such as porcini, shiitake, or chanterelles), cleaned and sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown the meat in batches until all sides are seared. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Deglaze the pot by adding the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Stir in the wild mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture.
6. Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
7. If you prefer a thicker stew, in the last 10 minutes of cooking, whisk the flour with some of the stew liquid and stir it back into the pot.
8. Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy this robust Wild Mushroom Beef Stew with a side of crusty bread for a full, satisfying meal!