As a lover of hearty stews, I’m always on the lookout for new recipes to try. Recently, I discovered the Middle Eastern beef stew that has quickly become a favorite in my household. This dish is packed with bold flavors and spices that make it stand out from traditional beef stews.
What I love most about this beef stew is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a hearty dish to serve at a dinner party, this stew is sure to impress.
One day, my girlfriend and I decided to have lunch at a Middle Eastern restaurant in the Bronx. We were excited to try something new and different from our usual lunch spots. After looking through the menu, a young Middle Eastern waitress brought a steaming hot plate of beef stew to our table. The aroma alone was enough to make our mouths water.
As we were enjoying our meal, a commotion broke out among the staff. We were unsure of what was happening, but it seemed like a disagreement had turned into a full-blown fight. After a while, the commotion settled, and we were able to finish our meal in peace.
After we finished our meal, I was curious about the recipe for the delicious beef stew. I asked the restaurant chef if he would be willing to share it with me, and to my surprise, he agreed!
Here are the ingredients that the recipe contained: beef stew meat, salt and pepper, all-purpose flour, olive oil, yellow onion, garlic, Roma tomatoes, tomato paste, allspice, paprika, cinnamon, coriander, water, bay leaf, frozen cut green beans, toasted pine nuts, and parsley leaves for garnish.
Accompanied Dishes
When I make this stew, I always like to serve it with some delicious side dishes. Here are a few of my favorite options:
- Rice: A simple bowl of rice is the perfect accompaniment to this hearty stew. I like to use basmati rice, but any variety will do.
- Flatbread: Warm, fluffy flatbread is great for soaking up the flavorful sauce from the stew. You can buy pre-made flatbread or make your own from scratch.
- Hummus: This creamy dip is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and pairs well with just about anything. I like to serve it with some fresh veggies for a healthy snack.
- Tabbouleh: This refreshing salad is made with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat. It’s a great way to add some freshness and crunch to your meal.
- Baba Ghanoush: This eggplant dip is similar to hummus but has a smokier flavor. It’s great with pita chips or fresh veggies.
Overall, there are so many great options for side dishes that pair well with the beef stew. These are just a few of my personal favorites, but feel free to get creative and try out some different combinations!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
- Olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 heaping teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground coriander
- 2 ½ cups of water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound of frozen cut green beans
- 3 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts
- A handful of parsley leaves for garnish stems removed
How to Make Middle Eastern Beef Stew?
- To start, season the beef with salt and pepper and coat it lightly on all sides with all-purpose flour. Then, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy cooking pot and brown the beef on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside briefly.
- Next, add chopped onions and garlic to the heated pot and toss them briefly on medium-high heat. Then, add tomatoes and tomato paste and mix in allspice, paprika, cinnamon, coriander, and a dash of salt and pepper. Cook everything on medium-high for 3 minutes or so.
- After that, return the beef to the pot and add water and a bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil for 5 minutes, then cover and simmer on low for 1 ½ hours.
- Once the time is up, uncover the pot and stir in frozen green beans and a small dash of salt. If needed, add a little more water. Stir once and cover to simmer on low for another 45 minutes. Lastly, discard the bay leaf and remove the pot from the heat.
- When serving, pour the beef stew into bowls, either over rice or accompanied by your preferred bread. Garnish it with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley. Delicious and hearty Middle Eastern beef stew is ready to enjoy!
Storing and Freezing
Refrigerator
After cooking the stew, I usually store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. To do this, I transfer the stew to an airtight container and let it cool down to room temperature before refrigerating it. It is important to let the stew cool down before refrigerating it because hot food can raise the temperature of the refrigerator, which can lead to spoilage.
When reheating the stew, I recommend doing so on the stovetop or in the oven. Reheating in the microwave can cause the meat to become tough and dry. To reheat on the stovetop, I add a splash of water or broth to the stew and heat it over medium-low heat until it is warmed through. To reheat in the oven, I transfer the stew to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat it at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.
Freezer
If I have a leftover beef stew that I won’t be able to eat within four days, I freeze it for later. To freeze the stew, I transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to leave some room at the top for expansion. I then label the container or bag with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer.
When I’m ready to eat the frozen stew, I thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Thawing in the refrigerator is the safest method because it prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. Once the stew is thawed, I reheat it using the same methods as above.
It’s important to note that while freezing can extend the shelf life of the stew, it can also affect the texture of the meat. The meat may become slightly tougher or drier after freezing, but it will still be safe to eat.
Variations
As I mentioned earlier, the beauty of this Middle Eastern Beef Stew recipe is that it is very versatile. Here are a few variations that you can try:
Vegetarian Option
If you are a vegetarian, you can substitute the beef with your favorite vegetables. I recommend using Fasolia, which is a Lebanese white bean stew. You can also try making stuffed peppers or stuffed cabbage with the same spices that are used in this recipe.
Additional Flavors
If you want to add some additional flavors to this stew, try using different spices. I have found that adding cinnamon, allspice, or nutmeg can give the stew a warm and comforting flavor. You can also try adding some dried apricots or prunes for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Another variation is to use lamb instead of beef. Lamb is a popular meat in Middle Eastern cuisine and it pairs well with the spices used in this recipe. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try adding some pomegranate molasses or tahini to the stew for a unique flavor.
Overall, the possibilities for variations with this stew recipe are endless. Whether you are looking for a vegetarian option or want to experiment with different flavors, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Middle Eastern beef stew is a comforting, hearty, and delicious dish that is perfect for satisfying your hunger and warming you up on a cold day. It is a comfort food that is easy to make and will leave your kitchen smelling aromatic and inviting.
The use of warm spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, along with bay leaves, gives this stew a unique flavor profile that is both savory and sweet. The low-sodium beef broth helps keep the salt content in check, while the sweet carrots and sweet potatoes add a touch of natural sweetness to the dish.
The beef in this stew is juicy and tender, and the vegetables are cooked to perfection. This dish is truly satisfying and will leave you feeling full and content. It is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Overall, this Middle Eastern beef stew is a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting and delicious meal. It is easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a great addition to your recipe collection. Give it a try and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings!
Did you know? This beef stew pairד perfectly with tandoor flatbread.
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