Served at the 2019 Farmers’ Table Wine Trail, Adm Puchta Winery
3 pounds boneless beef chuck (well-marbled), cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
2 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, cut into 1-inch chunks
7 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1-1/2 tbsp tomato paste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups Adam Puchta Situation Red wine
2 cups beef broth
2 cups water
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1-1/2 tsp sugar
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into one-inch chunks on a diagonal
1 lb small white boiling potatoes (baby Yukons), cut in half
Fresh chopped parsley, for serving (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 325°F and set a rack in the lower middle position.
Pat the beef dry and season with the salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot, heat 1 tbsp of the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Brown the meat in 3 batches, turning with tongs, for about 5 minutes per batch; add one tbsp more oil for each batch. (To sear the meat properly, do not crowd the pan and let the meat develop a nice brown crust before turning with tongs.) Transfer the meat to a large plate and set aside.
Add the onions, garlic and balsamic vinegar; cook, stirring and scraping the brown bits from bottom of the pan, for about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute more. Add the beef with its juices back to the pan and sprinkle with the flour. Stir until the flour is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the wine, beef broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, and sugar. Stir to loosen any brown bits from the bottom of the pan and bring to a boil. Cover the pot, transfer to the preheated oven, and braise for 2 hours.
Remove the pot from the oven and add the carrots and potatoes. Cover and place back in the oven for about an hour more, or until the vegetables are cooked, the broth is thickened, and the meat is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the stew warm — or let it come to room temperature and then store in the refrigerator overnight or until ready to serve. This stew improves in flavor if made at least 1 day ahead. Reheat, covered, over medium heat or in a 350°F oven. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with your favorite, warm cornbread!
Prep/cook time 3 hours, servings 6-8
Serve with Adam Puchta Situation Red.
