Meat stew with vegetables and mashed potatoes

Meat stew with vegetables and mashed potatoes: a comforting recipe for unforgettable moments

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 6

Who doesn't love a warm and flavorful stew, served alongside a creamy mashed potato? This meat stew with vegetables and mashed potatoes recipe is not just a hearty meal, but also a perfect way to gather the family around the table. This recipe has deep roots in culinary tradition, lovingly prepared by generations. Whether you serve it on chilly days or at a gathering with friends, your stew will surely be appreciated.

Ingredients

For the stew:
- 1.5 kg beef ribs (chuck)
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2-3 tomatoes, diced
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2-3 carrots, sliced
- 1 glass of good red wine
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh coriander
- a few celery leaves
- a little sunflower oil
- 1 kg potatoes for mashing
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for the sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
- salt and pepper to taste

For the mash:
- 1 kg potatoes
- 50 g butter
- 100 ml milk
- salt to taste

Preparing the stew

Step 1: Preparing the meat
Start by washing the meat thoroughly and cutting it into suitable pieces. It is important to remove all excess fibers and fat to achieve a finer and tastier stew. Choose fresh, quality meat for a delicious result.

Step 2: Sauté the meat
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little sunflower oil. When the oil is hot, add the pieces of meat and fry them until they change color. This step is essential to seal in the meat's juices, giving it a tender texture. Once the meat is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Preparing the vegetables
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then, add the red bell pepper, carrots, garlic, and tomatoes. Continue to sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they start to soften. The flavors will combine and create a wonderful base for the stew.

Step 4: Deglazing with wine
Add the glass of red wine to the skillet and let it boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. The wine will add incredible depth of flavor to your stew. This is a perfect moment to let yourself be carried away by the aroma of the evaporating wine, adding extra flavor.

Step 5: Cooking the stew
After the wine has boiled, add the tomato paste, coriander, and celery. Mix well, then add the browned meat pieces to the sauce. Pour enough water to cover the meat, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the stew simmer on low heat, covered, for about 1 hour or until the meat becomes tender.

Preparing the mashed potatoes

Step 1: Boil the potatoes
In a separate pot, place the peeled and diced potatoes to boil in salted water. Let them boil until soft, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the mash
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and mash them with a potato masher. Add the butter and milk, mixing well until you achieve a creamy texture. Season with salt to taste. A trick I love is to add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor!

Finishing and serving

Step 1: Thickening the sauce
When the meat is tender, take some of the sauce from the skillet and mix it with the cornstarch until thickened. This will give the stew a thick and appetizing consistency.

Step 2: Keeping warm
Keep the stew warm in the oven, set at 150 degrees Celsius, covered, to prevent drying out. This is an essential step to maintain all the flavors and juices of the meat.

Step 3: Serving
Serve the stew hot alongside the creamy mashed potatoes, allowing each guest to serve themselves as they please. A wonderful suggestion is to add a few fresh parsley leaves on top for a vibrant look.

Practical tips

- Replace beef ribs with beef or pork, depending on your preferences.
- You can add other vegetables like zucchini or green beans for extra color and nutrients.
- If you want a lighter version, you can use chicken or turkey, which cooks faster.
- Make sure the wine you use is good, as it will significantly influence the final taste of the stew.

Nutritional benefits
This stew provides an excellent source of protein from the meat, vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, and the mashed potatoes add complex carbohydrates that will give you long-lasting energy. It is a balanced meal, ideal for the whole family.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I prepare the stew in advance?
Yes, the stew can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The next day, the flavors will intensify, and the taste will be even more delicious.

2. What can I do with leftover stew?
Leftovers can be used to make a soup or served in a delicious sandwich.

3. Can I freeze the stew?
Yes, the stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in airtight containers for freezing.

Conclusion
Meat stew with vegetables and mashed potatoes is more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience that brings warmth and comfort. By experimenting with ingredients and customizing the recipe, you can add a personal touch that will make each serving unique. Don't forget to enjoy the cooking process and share your creations with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1.5 kg of rib meat - we call it spondra! 2 medium onions, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 2-3 tomatoes, diced 4-5 cloves of garlic 2-3 carrots, sliced 1 glass of good red wine 2-3 sprigs of coriander a few celery leaves a little sunflower oil 1 kg of potatoes for mash 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for sauce 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste