Steaming, Hearty Beef Stew with Cumin Seed for Cold Winter Evenings or Sunday Afternoons

The Versatility of Stew

Stews are unique for their versatility. The basic ingredients—onions, potatoes, and carrots—serve as a canvas for a myriad of flavors. You can personalize your stew with different herbs and vegetables. In my version, I use salt, pepper, and flour to dredge the stew meat before searing it. This not only thickens the stew but also enhances its flavor. Below, you'll find a detailed, easy-to-follow recipe that requires minimal prep and cooking time, allowing you to enjoy your afternoon while dinner simmers to perfection.

A Tex-Mex Twist: The Magic of Cumin

This recipe introduces a unique twist: cumin seed. You might wonder why cumin in a beef stew? As a Texan with a love for Tex-Mex cuisine, I find cumin adds a delightful, distinct flavor. However, if cumin isn't to your taste, feel free to omit it.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds of stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup of canola oil
• 4-6 russet potatoes, large diced (skin on for a rustic touch)
• 3 carrots, thickly sliced
• 1 large sweet yellow onion, diced
• 1 small can of sweet corn, drained
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of red wine (Merlot recommended)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 1/2 pints of beef stock or beef bouillon and water mixture
• 1-2 teaspoons of cumin seed (or 1/2-1 teaspoon ground cumin)
• 1 teaspoon of chopped cilantro for garnish

Serves: 6-8

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat your large braising pan or stew pot on medium to medium-high heat.
2. Season the stew meat with salt and pepper, then dredge it in flour.
3. Add the oil to the hot pan, heat for 20-30 seconds, then add the stew meat to brown.
4. Add the wine off the heat to avoid flare-ups, then reduce the mixture by half or three-quarters.
5. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until translucent.
6. Add the carrots, potatoes, beef stock, cumin seed, sweet corn, and bay leaf.
7. Cover the pot and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the carrots are tender.
8. Garnish with cilantro if desired, and remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with jalapeño cornbread or sweet cornbread. It's an ideal dish for a cozy Sunday afternoon or a chilly winter night, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Chef Shelley Pogue

Chef Shelley Pogue, a Cum Laude graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and a research and development chef for Vertical Sales and Marketing in San Ramon, CA, brings her culinary expertise and personal memories to this delightful stew recipe.

For more culinary inspiration, visit Chef Shelley Pogue's website.

Interesting Stats About Stew

• Stew's Popularity: According to a survey by the National Restaurant Association, 68% of Americans consider stew a comfort food, especially during the winter months (source).
• Health Benefits: A study published in the Journal of Food Science found that slow-cooked stews retain more nutrients compared to other cooking methods (source).
• Cumin's Nutritional Value: Cumin is rich in iron, providing 20% of the daily recommended intake per teaspoon, and has been shown to aid in digestion and improve cholesterol levels (source).

Enjoy this hearty, flavorful stew that brings together tradition and innovation, perfect for any occasion.