Beef stew

Beef chuck with vegetables - a comforting recipe for a perfect Sunday

Who doesn't love a warm dish, full of flavors and with a texture that hugs you? Beef chuck is one of those meals that reminds us of family dinners, moments spent together, lazy Sundays when the aroma of boiled meat spreads throughout the house. This simple and savory recipe is perfect for enjoying with loved ones.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 2 kg beef chuck (or 2 smaller pieces for quicker cooking)
- 6 liters of water
- 400 g carrots
- 200 g onion
- One stalk of celery
- A bunch of parsley (or parsnip, according to preference)
- 8 medium potatoes, of the same size
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the beef chuck:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the beef chuck well under cold running water. This helps remove impurities and blood, giving you cleaner meat.

2. Boiling the meat: Place the chuck in a large pot and fill it with 6 liters of water. Turn the heat to high until the water starts to boil. Then, reduce the heat to allow for a slow boil. It is important to skim off the foam that forms on the surface with a ladle, as it contains impurities that can affect the final taste of the dish.

3. Adding the vegetables: After about 2 hours of slow boiling, add the sliced carrots, whole onion (you can peel it, but leave it whole to infuse the broth with its flavor), chopped celery stalk, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Boiling the vegetables: Continue to boil everything covered, on low heat, for another hour. During this time, the flavors of the vegetables will blend with those of the meat, creating a rich and savory broth.

5. Adding the potatoes: Finally, add the peeled and halved or quartered potatoes, depending on the desired size. Let them boil until tender, usually between 20 and 30 minutes.

6. Serving: Once all the ingredients are cooked, you can serve the beef chuck alongside the vegetables. Enhance its flavor with a bit of freshly grated horseradish and a piece of melted butter, which will perfectly combine with the texture of the meat and the sweetness of the vegetables.

Tips and useful advice:
- If you want to keep the broth clearer, avoid stirring too much in the pot during cooking.
- You can also add other vegetables according to your preference, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to diversify the flavors.
- Instead of horseradish, you can use mustard or soy sauce for a different taste.
- If you want to save time, you can use a smaller chuck, which will cook faster.

Nutritional benefits:
Beef chuck is an excellent source of protein, contributing to the building and repairing of tissues. The added vegetables provide a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this dish a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use pork instead of beef?
- Yes, you can adapt the recipe using pork, but the cooking time will vary.

2. What can I do with the leftover broth?
- The broth from the chuck is perfect for making a Greek-style soup or a soup with noodles or dumplings. Add some spices and additional vegetables for extra flavor.

3. How can I store the leftovers?
- The chuck keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze portions to enjoy later.

Combine this beef chuck with a fresh salad or some crusty homemade bread for a complete meal. Additionally, a glass of red wine will pair perfectly at the table, adding an elegant and savory touch.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to start cooking! Whether it's a family Sunday or a special occasion, the beef chuck will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor the final result!

 Ingredients: beef shank, 2 kg, 6 l of water, 400 g carrots, 200 g onion, a little celery and parsley/parsnip, 8 medium potatoes, about the same size. salt, pepper to taste

 Tags:  boiled meat life soup