If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that will warm you up on a cold night, look no further than Tuscan beef stew with polenta. This classic Italian dish is made with tender beef, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with vegetables and herbs. The polenta, a creamy cornmeal porridge, is the perfect accompaniment to the stew, soaking up all of the delicious flavors. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
TUSCAN BEEF STEW WITH POLENTA
Provided by Food Network
Time 2h23m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- For the stew: In heavy, large saucepan over moderately-high heat, heat 3 tablespoons oil until hot, but not smoking. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and saute, stirring occasionally, until light golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Add the beef and saute, stirring occasionally, until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add wine and thyme, stir well, and bring to boil.
- Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper, then lower heat to moderately low, cover, and simmer, stirring every 15 minutes, until the beef is tender, about 2 hours.
- For the polenta: While the beef is simmering, make the polenta. Pour the olive oil into a large serving bowl and swirl to coat. Set aside.
- In heavy, large pot over moderately-high heat, bring stock to a boil. Lower the heat to moderate and gradually whisk in the polenta, stirring constantly. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until polenta thickens and pulls away from sides of pan, about 5 minutes. Transfer the polenta to an oil-coated serving bowl and keep warm. Let the polenta sit for 5 to 10 minutes so it can set up.
- When the beef is tender, use tongs to remove the tomato skins, if desired and the thyme sprigs.
- Turn the polenta out of the bowl, slice, and serve alongside the stew.
TUSCAN BEEF STEW WITH POLENTA
Provided by Debi Mazar
Categories Soup/Stew Beef Tomato Stew Dinner Cornmeal Carrot Red Wine Fall Winter Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Diabetes-Friendly
Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Make stew
- In heavy, large saucepan over moderately high heat, heat oil until hot but not smoking. Add onion, carrot, and celery and sauté, stirring occasionally, until light golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add beef and sauté, stirring occasionally, until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add wine and thyme, stir well, and bring to boil. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper, then lower heat to moderately low, cover, and simmer, stirring every 15 minutes, until beef is tender, about 2 hours.
- While beef is simmering, make polenta
- Pour olive oil into large serving bowl and swirl to coat. Set aside.
- In heavy, large pot over moderately high heat, bring stock to boil. Lower heat to moderate and slowly add polenta, stirring constantly. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until polenta thickens and pulls away from sides of pan, about 10 minutes. Transfer to oil-coated serving bowl and keep warm.
- Serve
- When beef is tender, use tongs to remove tomato skins (if desired) and thyme sprigs. Transfer stew to large serving bowl. Serve polenta alongside.
POLENTA BEEF STEW
This inviting stew comes from a region of Switzerland near the border of Italy. Swiss cooking is among the heartiest in Europe -- and the use of polenta here is very traditional.
Provided by Annacia
Categories Stew
Time 2h25m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- STEW:.
- Place flour, garlic powder, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper in a plastic bag.
- Add meat pieces, a few at a time, shaking to coat.
- In a Dutch oven brown meat, half at a time, in hot oil; drain fat. Return all meat to Dutch oven; add chopped onion, dried rosemary (if using), and garlic.
- Cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in broth and wine.
- Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 1-1/2 hours.
- Stir in boiling onions and carrots.
- Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
- Simmer, covered, about 30 minutes more or until meat and vegetables are tender. Meanwhile, prepare Polenta.
- Just before serving, stir parsley, tomato paste, and the 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, if using, into stew.
- Serve stew with Polenta. If desired, garnish with rosemary sprigs.
- Makes about 7 cups.
- POLENTA:.
- In a large saucepan bring 3 cups milk just to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a medium bowl combine 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup water, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Stir cornmeal mixture slowly into hot milk. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until mixture is very thick, stirring occasionally.
- (If mixture is too thick, stir in additional milk).
- Stir in 2 tablespoons butter or margarine until melted.
Tips:
- Choose the right cut of beef. Chuck roast, short ribs, and brisket are all good choices for beef stew because they are tough cuts of meat that become tender when cooked slowly.
- Brown the beef before stewing. This will help to develop flavor and color.
- Use a variety of vegetables. Carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes are all classic stew vegetables, but you can also add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Use a good quality broth or stock. This will help to give the stew a rich flavor.
- Season the stew well. Salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme are all good choices for seasoning beef stew.
- Cook the stew slowly. This will allow the meat and vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the stew with polenta or mashed potatoes. This will help to soak up the delicious broth.
Conclusion:
Tuscan beef stew with polenta is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. By following these tips, you can make a delicious and authentic Tuscan beef stew that your family and friends will love.
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