BEEF STEW IN A BREAD BOWL RECIPE

Making beef stew in a bread bowl is such a cozy and comforting meal. Here’s how you can prepare it:Ingredients:

For the beef stew:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

For the bread bowls:

• 4 large round bread loaves (sourdough or your preferred type)
• Butter for brushing (optional)

Instructions:

Beef Stew:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Do this in batches if needed. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, add a bit more oil if necessary, then sauté the garlic and onion until softened and fragrant.
3. Deglaze the pot by adding the red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
4. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
5. Stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves.

Bread Bowls:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice off the top of each bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving a sturdy bread bowl. Save the scooped-out bread for dipping or making breadcrumbs.
3. Optional: Brush the inside and edges of the bread bowls with melted butter.
4. Place the hollowed-out bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 5-8 minutes until they become slightly crispy and golden.

Assembly:

1. Ladle the prepared beef stew into the hollowed-out bread bowls.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
3. Serve the beef stew-filled bread bowls while warm and enjoy the delicious combination of stew and bread!

It’s a delightful way to enjoy a hearty beef stew, and the bread bowl adds an extra layer of comfort to the meal!