Beef stew

Beef, a versatile and delicious ingredient, is ideal for dishes that require long cooking to reveal all its flavors. Start by washing the whole piece of meat well under a stream of cold water. This step is essential to remove impurities and sodium from the beef. After washing the meat, let it drain for a few minutes on a kitchen rack or in a sieve. Then, with a sharp knife, cut the meat into evenly thick slices so that it cooks evenly.

In a large skillet, add generous oil and let it heat well over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the slices of meat, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them on both sides until golden, about 20 minutes. If you notice a lot of foam forming due to the water left on the meat, it is recommended to change the pan and oil; otherwise, the fried meat will become tough, but don't worry, everything will be fine in the end.

After you finish frying, prepare another pan, preferably with a lid, and pour a little oil (about 2 mm). Place the slices of meat in the pan and adjust the heat to medium. Add 60 ml of cold water over the meat, covering the pan with a lid. This will braise, keeping the juiciness and flavors. After 4 minutes, turn the slices of meat with a spatula and add another 60 ml of cold water when you notice the water evaporating. Repeat this process of adding water throughout the cooking, which can take between 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the quality and cut of the meat.

During this time, you will notice how the fork easily penetrates the meat, and it shreds into tender strips. In a separate bowl, mix 300 ml of cold water with half a teaspoon of flour and 3 teaspoons of broth or tomato paste. This mixture will help thicken the sauce and add a rich flavor. The slices of meat can be left whole or cut into smaller pieces, depending on your preferences.

Once the water has evaporated and the meat begins to fry again, pour the mixture of water, broth, and flour into the pan. Season with salt to taste and add a few peppercorns and bay leaves for extra flavor. Let it simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the meat becomes extremely tender. Finally, when you take the pan off the heat, add two peeled garlic cloves, either whole or sliced, to add an unmistakable flavor to your dish. This dish can be served with various sides, from mashed potatoes to steamed vegetables, for a delicious and comforting meal.

 Ingredients: beef (400-500g) tomato paste/broth (3 teaspoons) black pepper (whole) bay leaf (two medium-sized leaves) salt (to taste) oil cold water garlic (two cloves)

 Tags:  meat garlic broth oil life gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes veneers recipes for children