Beef stew is a classic family Sunday lunch: tender beef and meltingly tender potatoes are the perfect pairing for this dish which requires no starter! Simply serve some lovely warm bread, a glass of red wine and a plate of this beef and potato stew - the stomach will be satisfied and the spirit lifted! Ideal if you have guests coming, the intense aroma of the food will whet the appetite, and if you follow our recipe carefully you are going to get your fill of compliments! This is a dish loved by children who will always eat meat and potatoes - and it makes a complete meal. The recipe is accompanied by a photo gallery and is described carefully so as to ensure a perfect result!
* approximate values per serving
Trim any fat or sinew from the beef and cut it into 3cm chunks. Heat the oil in a large casserole over a medium heat, add the celery and carrot and cook until soft. Coarsely slice the onion and cook until it is soft too. Then add the meat and cook until nicely browned. Add the white wine and simmer while it reduces. When it starts to get dry, top up with hot water until everything is covered, add salt, cover the pan and simmer over a low heat for 30 min. Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks the same size as the meat and add to the saucepan, adjust the salt and add some ground pepper, cover again and cook for about a further 25 min.
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Cut the beef into chunks
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Fry the chopped carrot, onion and celery in a pan with oil
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Thickly slice the onion
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Add the onion to the pan
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Add the beef and fry until browned
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Add a dash of wine and reduce
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Add water until everything is covered and bring to the boil, then simmer on a low flame
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Cut the potato into chunks
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Add the potatoes to the stew for the last 20 minutes of cooking
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A delicious variant of veal stew is the oven preparation, which enhances the flavors and achieves a tender and succulent texture. To make veal stew with baked potatoes, after preparing the sauté of carrots, celery, and Tropea onions, you can arrange the chunks of veal and potatoes in a baking dish. It is advisable to deglaze with white wine and add a bit of hot broth to maintain moisture during cooking. Finally, bake at low temperature for several hours, until the meat is tender and the potatoes are golden. This version is perfect for a family Sunday lunch, where the warmth of the oven helps create a cozy atmosphere.
Tuscan veal stew is a dish that reflects the culinary tradition of this region, famous for the quality of its meats and fresh ingredients. In this version, in addition to the classic chunks of veal and potatoes, you can add aromatic herbs typical of the area, such as rosemary and sage, to give it an unmistakable aroma. The preparation always includes an initial sauté of celery, carrot, and onion, but you can also choose to cook it in a terracotta pot, which helps maintain a constant temperature during cooking. This traditional method enhances the flavor of the meat and makes the dish even more delicious, perfect to pair with a good Tuscan red wine.
For those who desire a lighter version of veal stew, it is possible to prepare a light variant by reducing the use of oil and replacing part of the potatoes with mixed vegetables, such as zucchini and peppers. This preparation not only retains the flavor of the original dish but also offers a lower caloric intake and a higher amount of fiber. To make it, proceed with a light sauté of celery and carrot, avoiding the use of too much oil. You can add the diced vegetables during cooking, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the broth and white wine. In this way, you achieve a balanced and nutritious meal, ideal for those following a more mindful diet.
Veal is a lean meat rich in nutrients, providing numerous health benefits. It is an important source of high-quality protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass. Additionally, veal contains B vitamins, particularly B12, which is crucial for the functioning of the nervous system and the production of red blood cells. The calories in a veal stew with potatoes are around 250-300 kcal per serving, depending on the amount of oil and the portions of meat and potatoes used. It is a dish that, if consumed in moderation, can fit into a balanced and healthy diet.
The answer is yes, veal stew can be frozen. This dish stores well in the freezer and can be a great solution for preparing meals in advance. It is advisable to freeze it in portions, so you can thaw only the necessary amount for a meal. Before freezing, make sure it is completely cooled and transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe food bags. When you are ready to consume it, you can thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours or use the microwave. Remember to heat it thoroughly before serving to ensure it reaches the proper temperature and retains its goodness.