Slow-Simmered Mediterranean Beef Stew with Garlic & Garden Herbs

Slow-Simmered Mediterranean Beef Stew with Garlic & Garden Herbs

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This Mediterranean Beef Stew is a culinary ode to time-honored methods of slow cooking, aromatic layering, and the use of functional, therapeutic ingredients. Rich cubes of beef chuck are seared and simmered in extra virgin olive oil, mingled with sweet onions, garlic, and tender carrots to form a stew base that’s both savory and comforting.

What elevates this dish is its wellness-forward foundation: garlic serves as a powerful immune booster; olive oil provides healthy fats that support heart function; and carrots lend beta-carotene for skin and eye health. The broth, infused with tomatoes, herbs, and spices, becomes a soothing elixir—a true nourishment ritual that balances flavor, texture, and healing intent. Serve it over herbed quinoa, couscous, or crusty sourdough for a satisfying meal that echoes Mediterranean roots with a modern wellness twist.

🛒 INGREDIENTS:

For the Stew:

  • 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup baby potatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or 3 fresh ripe tomatoes, blended
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or beef broth
  • 1/2 tsp Himalayan pink salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (for anti-inflammatory depth)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Optional: 1 bay leaf, 1 cinnamon stick (for aromatic complexity)

For Garnish & Serving:

  • Chopped parsley or coriander
  • Toasted pine nuts (optional)
  • Side of herbed couscous, sourdough bread, or roasted quinoa

📝 INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Sear the Beef In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding, searing them for 4–5 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Aromatic Foundation In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and lightly golden—about 5–6 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing its fragrance.
  3. Vegetable Integration Add sliced carrots (and potatoes if using) to the pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, coating them in aromatic oil and softened onion.
  4. Spice Blooming Stir in paprika, turmeric, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 1 minute to bloom the spices and deepen their flavor. If using cinnamon stick or bay leaf, drop them in at this point.
  5. Deglaze & Simmer Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Return beef to the pot, cover, and simmer gently on low heat for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The meat should become tender and the broth rich and well-blended.
  6. Final Touches Remove lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to concentrate the flavors. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten the stew and remove the cinnamon stick or bay leaf.
  7. Garnish & Serve Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and toasted pine nuts for crunch and added nutrients. Serve alongside fluffy couscous, turmeric-infused rice, or fermented sourdough for complete nourishment.

🌿 Therapeutic & Eco Tips:

  • Functional Ingredients: Garlic supports immunity, turmeric soothes inflammation, and lemon enhances digestion.
  • Cultural Integration: Smoked paprika and cinnamon bridge flavors from North Africa to southern Europe.
  • Sustainability Note:

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