Hearty Beef Stew with Kale and Zucchini
The aroma of beef stew wafting from your kitchen is a sure sign of comfort food at its finest. This classic dish is hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor. But did you know that beef stew can also be healthy and nutritious?
With a few simple substitutions, you can easily create a beef stew that is both delicious and good for you. In this recipe, we will use lean beef chuck, fresh vegetables, and a light broth. We will also add kale, a leafy green that is packed with vitamins and minerals. The result is a stew that is both healthy and satisfying.
This easy beef stew recipe is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a cold winter day. Beef chuck is simmered in a rich herb and spice blend until it is fall-apart tender. Kale and zucchini add nutrients and flavor to the stew, while potatoes make it a filling and satisfying meal.
Meat stews are a staple in many cultures and are often considered the ultimate comfort food. When served with potatoes, they are a classic dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
This beef stew recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners. The stew can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out.
The ingredients you will need
- Boneless beef chuck tip or round roast: This is the main ingredient in the stew. Beef chuck is a tough cut of meat that becomes tender when cooked slowly. Cutting the beef into 1-inch cubes will ensure that it cooks evenly.
- Mrs Dash’s original seasoning or another seasoning blend: This will add flavor to the stew. You can use a store-bought mixed spice blend, or you can create your own blend using spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin. You can also use the Haitian Epis blend.
- Ground cumin: Cumin is a spice that has a warm, earthy flavor. It is a common ingredient in Indian and Mexican cuisine.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings for any dish. They will help to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy cooking oil that has a mild flavor. It will help to prevent the beef from sticking to the pot.
- White wine or apple cider vinegar: Vinegar will add a bit of acidity to the stew. This will help to balance out the richness of the beef and vegetables.
- NouBess Hot and Spicy Original Sauce: This is a hot and spicy sauce that has a flavor of mixed chili peppers, garlic, onion and spices.
- Fresh tomatoes or tomato paste: Tomatoes will add a bit of sweetness and acidity to the stew. You can use fresh diced tomatoes, or you can use tomato paste.
- Kale: Kale is a leafy green that is packed with nutrients. It has a bitter flavor, so it is best to chop it finely.
- Yellow squash zucchini: Yellow squash is a type of squash that has a mild flavor. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
- Green squash (zucchini): Green squash is a type of squash that is similar to yellow squash. It has a slightly darker color and a slightly different flavor.
Here are some tips for making the best beef stew:
- Use a good quality beef chuck. This cut of beef is naturally tough, but it will become tender when it is cooked slowly.
- Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes. This will ensure that the beef cooks evenly.
- Brown the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the stew pot. This will help to develop flavor.
- Add your favorite vegetables to the stew. Some good options include carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and zucchini.
- Use a flavorful broth. A good quality beef broth will add depth of flavor to the stew.
- Season the stew with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to taste.
With a little time and effort, you can easily create a delicious and satisfying beef stew that everyone will love.
Aromatic Herb and Spice Blend
Beef pairs beautifully with a fresh herb and spice blend. If you’re short on time, a trusted combination of dried herbs and spices can elevate the flavors of the beef. With the addition of your choice of vegetables and liquid, you’ll have a delectable stew in no time.
Dried Herb and Spice Blend
If you’re using a dried herb and spice blend, here are some suggestions:
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These two spices provide a savory base for the stew.
- Paprika: Paprika adds a smoky flavor to the stew.
- Cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the stew.
- Oregano: Oregano adds a slightly sweet and herbaceous flavor to the stew.
- Thyme: Thyme adds a slightly woody and herbaceous flavor to the stew.
Vegetables and Liquid
Once you’ve added your herbs and spices, add your vegetables and liquid of choice. Some good options for vegetables include carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and zucchini. For the liquid, you can use beef broth, vegetable broth, or even water.
Simmering to Perfection
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Serving
Serve the stew hot over your favorite rice or noodles. You can also garnish the stew with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
Additional Tips
- For a richer flavor, brown the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the stew pot.
- If you want a thicker stew, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to 1/4 cup of cold water. Stir into the stew until thickened.
- If you like your stew spicy, add more NouBess hot and spicy sauce.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Spices and Vegetables: The Keys to Beef Stew Success
The key to a successful beef stew lies in the right combination of spices and vegetables. A well-chosen condiment can make a world of difference. For instance, Noubess Original Hot Sauce mixed with Haitian Epis is an excellent choice for seasoning red meat.
The Importance of Spices for Red Meat
Red meat often benefits from strong herbs and spices. Hot sauces or condiments like Noubess Original Hot Sauce are a blend of concentrated herbs and spices with hot peppers that create an authentic Caribbean flavor. They add depth and complexity to the dish, enhancing the natural flavors of the beef.
With a little time and effort, you can easily create a delicious and satisfying beef stew that everyone will love.
Exploring Vegetables for Flavorful Combinations
Embrace the world of vegetables and discover their versatility in complementing meat dishes. As you embark on your culinary adventures, consider the distinct flavors of different vegetables and how they can harmonize with meat-based stews. For instance, leafy greens like kale and spinach pair beautifully with hearty beef stews, adding a touch of freshness and earthy notes that complement the rich flavors of the meat.
Experimenting with Flavor Profiles
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor profiles and combinations. Start by incorporating my bold flavor condiment into your dishes, and gradually adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences. As you explore, you’ll uncover new layers of flavor and create dishes that tantalize your taste buds.
Embrace the Culinary Journey
Cooking is a journey of exploration and experimentation. Embrace the process of discovering new flavors and combinations, and let your creativity guide you as you craft culinary masterpieces. With a touch of boldness and a dash of curiosity, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a culinary connoisseur.
This beef stew with kale and zucchini is a healthy and delicious meal that is perfect for a cold winter day. The beef is tender and flavorful, and the vegetables are cooked to perfection. The kale adds a burst of nutrients and a touch of bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the tomatoes. Serve this stew with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Beef, Kale and Zucchini Stew
Ingredients
- 1-2 pound boneless beef chuck tip or round roast cut into 1 inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons mixed spices or 2 tablespoons Mrs Dash original seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white-wine or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon Noubess Hot and Spicy Original Sauce
- 1/4 cup diced fresh tomatoes or 1 ¼ tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 – 4 cups chopped kale chopped finely
- 1 small yellow squash zucchini, chopped
- 1 small green squash (zucchini), chopped
Instructions
- Cut meat in cubes and clean with lemon or vinegar. Rinse and pat dry. Place meat in large bowl. Add spices, hot sauce, oil and vinegar. Mix well, cover and chill for 2 – 3 hours before cooking.
- Remove from refrigerator and bring to room temperature. In a heavy bottom pan, add beef and marinade. Cook beef on medium high for about 7 – 10 minutes, then lower heat and continue to cook for 12-15 minutes – making sure the beef has enough liquid to cook. If need be, add only 1/4 cup at a time. (but not necessary).
- Add diced tomatoes and continue to cook until well incorporated for another 5 minutes. If using tomato paste, dilute in a little bit of water and stir in.
- Add chopped kale and diced green and yellow squash (zucchini). Season to taste. Add 1 cup water and stir, season to taste again. Reduce heat to low. Cover; simmer 40 minutes to 1 hour or until beef fully cooked.
- Serve with rice or root vegetables
Notes
Taste may be a bit mild for some people if using Mrs. Dash. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Add more vegetables to the stew if preferred, and adjust seasoning.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
