Indulge your senses with a heartwarming bowl of Chianti Marinated Beef Stew, a dish that embodies the rich flavors of Italian cuisine! Imagine tender chunks of beef, marinated in robust Chianti wine, simmered to perfection with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. This stew not only warms the soul but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone rushing to the table. Perfect for cozy evenings or special gatherings, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the details of this savory masterpiece!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 bottle Chianti wine
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the beef. Cut the beef chuck into approximately 1 to
- 5-inch cubes, ensuring that the pieces are uniform for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef cubes with the entire bottle of Chianti wine. Ensure all the beef is submerged in the wine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Once the beef is marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and drain the wine, reserving it for later use. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help in browning.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Return the browned beef to the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the reserved Chianti wine and the beef broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- After 2 hours, check the beef for tenderness. If it’s not yet tender, continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Once the stew is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish the Chianti marinated beef stew with fresh rosemary before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy polenta.
Tips
- Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, marinate the beef in Chianti wine overnight. This allows the meat to absorb the rich flavors, resulting in a more delicious stew.
- Pat Dry for Browning: After marinating, make sure to pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels before browning. This helps achieve a nice crust and prevents steaming.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: When browning the beef, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. This ensures that each piece gets a good sear, adding depth to the stew’s flavor.
- Use a Heavy Pot: A Dutch oven or heavy pot retains heat better and distributes it evenly, which is essential for slow cooking and developing rich flavors.
- Check for Tenderness: After the initial cooking time, check the beef for tenderness. If it’s not fork-tender, continue simmering and check every 15 minutes until it reaches the desired texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference in flavor.
- Serve with Sides: This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or over creamy polenta for a comforting meal that will impress your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 120mg
