Beef Stew with Wine

Serves 8 to 12

Great stew to make during cold months. Instant Pot instructions at end of recipe.

Agnes

Beef Stew with Wine served with sweet potatoes

Ingredients

1 to 3 tablespoons olive oil

3 lbs(1 1/2 kg) beef stew meat, cut in 2-inch pieces

4 to 5 large carrots, sliced 1/2-inch thick

1 large white onion, chopped in large chucks

4 to 6 cloves garlic, peeled, and bottoms cut off

1/2 pound fresh small white or brown mushrooms, whole

1 pinch coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

1 cup red wine, non-alcoholic or Merlot, Pinot Noir, or a Chianti wine, omit if using Beef and Red Wine Boullion

1 litre or 4 cups beef stock, or Beef and Red Wine Boullion

2 tablespoons to 10 tablespoons (156 ml) tomato paste

1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped or 1/4 tsp dry thyme

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped or 1 1/2 tsp dried parsley

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon butter, optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Prepare vegetables. Heat the one or two tablespoon oil in a large frying pan. Brown beef stew meat and set aside. Meanwhile in large pot with lid, add 1 tablespoon of oil, add carrots and onions. Fry vegetables for about 4 minutes, then add garlic and mushrooms and cook for 1 minute or until onions are soft . Add beef and other ingredients to vegetables. Bring to a simmer.

Cover, and transfer to over and bake for 2 to 3 hours until the meat falls apart. Serve with mashed potatoes, noodles or rice.

Tip: If you use wine, get two bottles of the same wine. One bottle for the stew and one bottle to serve with the stew.

Instant pot Method:

Heat the one or two tablespoon oil in a large frying pan. Brown beef stew meat. In Instant Pot on Sautee setting add 1 tablespoon of oil then add carrots and onions. Fry vegetables for about 4 minutes, then add garlic and mushrooms and cook for 1 minute or until onions are soft . Add beef and other ingredients to vegetables. Cover, and cook on High pressure Cook for 35 minutes. Wait at least 10 minutes to release pressure. Serve with mashed potatoes, noodles or rice.