Peasant-style Stew

Peasant-style stew is a rustic and flavorful dish, typical of Italian home cooking. This dish can be customized in many ways, but here I will provide you with a classic version that you can then adapt to your preferences.

Ingredients

• 500 g of beef stew meat (preferably cuts like shoulder or round for their tenderness)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
• 2 stalks of celery, cut into pieces
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1/2 glass of robust red wine (such as Chianti or Barbera)
• Enough beef broth
• Extra virgin olive oil for frying

Preparation

1. In a large saucepan, heat some extra virgin olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent.

2. Add the chopped chives and after a few minutes, add the beef stew meat. Brown the meat on all sides until it is sealed and takes on color.

3. Pour in the red wine and let it evaporate on high heat for a few minutes.

4. Lower the heat, add the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir to mix everything together.

5. Add the tomato paste, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Cover with enough beef broth to cover the ingredients.

6. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the meat is tender. Check occasionally and add broth if necessary.

7. When the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the sprig of rosemary and bay leaves, and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

8. Serve hot, possibly accompanied by rustic bread or polenta.

Fun Facts

Stew is actually a very ancient preparation, found in different cultures with regional variations. In Italy, for example, you will find many different versions of stew, from north to south. The “peasant-style” version refers to the simple and homely style of the dish, with the use of fresh, earthy ingredients, typical of meals prepared in country houses.