🍲 Hearty Meat Stew & Rustic Fresh Bread: The Ultimate Comfort Duo

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🍲 Hearty Meat Stew & Rustic Fresh Bread: The Ultimate Comfort Duo

Francouis Pretorius




If you're craving a meal that wraps you in warmth like your favorite blanket on a cold evening, this Hearty Meat Stew and Rustic Fresh Bread recipe is just what you need. Made with tender chunks of beef, root vegetables, and herbs, paired with golden-crusted homemade bread, this combo is perfect for family dinners, lazy Sundays, or when you just need a taste of home.

Why You'll Love This

  • Deep, rich flavor from slow-cooked meat and aromatics

  • No-fuss bread recipe that bakes beautifully even if you're a beginner

  • Perfect for meal prep and even better the next day

🍖 Hearty Meat Stew Recipe

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2–2½ hours
Total Time: ~3 hours

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg beef stew meat (chuck or brisket), cut into chunks

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

  • 1 cup red wine (or beef broth)

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 3 carrots, sliced

  • 3 potatoes, cubed

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 tsp thyme

  • 1 tsp rosemary

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Brown the meat: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Set aside.

  2. Build the flavor base: In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and flour (if using), cook for 2 minutes.

  3. Deglaze: Pour in the wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any brown bits. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

  4. Simmer: Return beef to the pot. Add broth, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours.

  5. Add vegetables: Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Continue simmering uncovered for another 30–40 minutes, until veggies are tender and stew is thickened.

  6. Taste and serve: Adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.

🍞 Rustic Fresh Bread Recipe

Makes: 1 round loaf
Prep Time: 10 mins
Rise Time: 1½–2 hours
Bake Time: 30–35 mins

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)

  • 1¼ cups warm water

Instructions:

  1. Mix: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Stir in warm water until a shaggy dough forms.

  2. Knead: Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Or leave it slightly rustic!)

  3. Rise: Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1½–2 hours, until doubled in size.

  4. Shape: Gently punch down dough and form into a round loaf. Place on a baking sheet or in a Dutch oven.

  5. Second rise: Let rest for 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 220°C (425°F).

  6. Bake: If using a Dutch oven, cover and bake for 25 mins, then uncover for the last 10–15 minutes until golden. If using a tray, bake 30–35 mins until crusty.

  7. Cool: Let cool at least 15 minutes before slicing (if you can wait that long!).

🍽️ Serving Tips

Tear off a piece of warm bread and dunk it into the stew, pure bliss. Add a side salad or roasted veggies for extra color or keep it simple and cozy. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.

💬 Let’s Chat!

Tried this recipe? Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram at @dj_impulse01.  Got a secret spice you like to add to your stew? Drop it in the comments below, I’d love to try it your way next time!

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