Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl

Making beef stew in a bread bowl is a delightful way to enjoy this comforting dish. Here’s a recipe to create a hearty beef stew served in a hollowed-out bread bowl:Ingredients for Beef Stew:

• 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Ingredients for Bread Bowls:

• 4 large round bread loaves (such as sourdough or French bread)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot in batches to brown on all sides. Remove the browned meat from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the sliced carrots, celery, and cubed potatoes to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Return the browned beef stew meat to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a bit of water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.
8. While the stew is simmering, prepare the bread bowls. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the tops off the bread loaves. Hollow out the insides, leaving a sturdy shell to hold the stew.
9. Once the stew is ready, discard the bay leaves. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
10. Ladle the hot beef stew into the hollowed-out bread bowls.
11. Place the filled bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is crusty and golden brown.
12. Serve the beef stew bread bowls hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy the hearty and delicious beef stew served in a warm bread bowl, perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening!