Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew
What Started it all:
garlic, onion, whole milk, balsamic vinegar, kidney beans, beef broth, thyme, parsley, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, beef heart, butter, beef kidney
This savory beef stew is packed with flavor and nutrition, combining tender beef heart and kidney with hearty vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to warm your soul and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 pound beef heart, cleaned and diced
- 1 pound beef kidney, cleaned and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Clean and dice the beef heart and kidney. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms. Rinse the kidney beans and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables: Stir in the carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Brown the Meat: Add the diced beef heart and kidney to the pot. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned on all sides.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the beef broth, whole milk, balsamic vinegar, and kidney beans to the pot. Stir in the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the flavors meld together.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy it hot with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
This hearty beef and vegetable stew is not only delicious but also a great way to use less common cuts of beef, making it both economical and nutritious. Enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends, and take pride in creating a meal that warms both the body and spirit!