Imagine a dish that captures the rustic elegance of French countryside cooking, where tender beef melts in your mouth and sweet carrots dance with aromatic herbs. This Beef with Carrots Provençal is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a food lover craving authentic French flavors, this recipe promises to be your ticket to gastronomic bliss.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion, slice the carrots, and mince the garlic. This will make the cooking process smoother.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
- Return the browned beef to the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in the red wine and beef broth, stirring to combine.
- Add the sliced carrots and thyme to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the beef and vegetables are well coated in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
- After 1 hour, check the beef for tenderness. If it is not yet fork-tender, continue to simmer for an additional 15-30 minutes, checking occasionally.
- Once the beef is tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Beef with Carrots Provençal hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Select well-marbled beef stew meat for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Brown Meat Thoroughly: Take time to develop a deep, rich color when browning the beef—this step builds incredible depth of flavor.
- Low and Slow is the Key: Patience is crucial. Simmering the stew gently ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender.
- Wine Matters: Use a good quality red wine you'd actually enjoy drinking. The flavor concentrates during cooking.
- Let it Rest: Allow the stew to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking to let flavors fully meld together.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of herbes de Provence for extra authenticity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
