Step into the embrace of Italian tradition with Nonna’s Hearty Italian Beef Stew – a recipe lovingly crafted by generations of nonnas. This soul-satisfying stew encapsulates the essence of Italian comfort food, brimming with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs. As the stew simmers gently on the stove, the flavors meld into a symphony of delight, beckoning you to gather around the table and savor every spoonful. Join us on a journey to Italy as we recreate this cherished family recipe, guaranteed to warm your heart and nourish your soul.
As the tantalizing aroma of simmering stew filled Nonna’s kitchen, I could hardly contain my excitement. I fondly recalled the countless Sundays spent gathered around the table with my extended Italian family, eagerly awaiting Nonna’s signature dish – her Hearty Italian Beef Stew. The stew, a treasured family recipe passed down through generations, held a special place in our hearts.
Nonna’s hands danced with grace as she prepared the ingredients – tender beef cubes, fresh vegetables from the garden, and a medley of Italian herbs and spices. Each step was a labor of love, as she carefully infused every element with her culinary wisdom and devotion.
With the ingredients gently simmering in the pot, the kitchen became a haven of warmth and comfort. The anticipation grew, and we knew that soon we would be treated to a feast of flavors that only Nonna’s stew could deliver.
As we gathered around the table, Nonna beamed with pride as we delighted in her creation. The beef melted in our mouths, the vegetables added bursts of color and freshness, and the broth was a symphony of rich flavors that sang in harmony. Each spoonful was a taste of tradition, evoking memories of family, love, and togetherness.
Nonna’s Hearty Italian Beef Stew was more than just a meal; it was a testament to the bond that held our family together. With every generation that passed, the recipe remained unchanged, a tangible connection to our Italian heritage and the matriarchs who came before us.
Now, I pass on Nonna’s recipe to you, with the hope that it will grace your table and fill your home with the same warmth and joy it has brought to ours. May Nonna’s Hearty Italian Beef Stew become a cherished tradition in your family, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and nourish our souls.
| Beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes | 2 pounds | 900 grams |
| Carrots, peeled and sliced | 3 | 3 |
| Potatoes, peeled and diced | 3 | 3 |
| Celery stalks, sliced | 3 | 3 |
| Onion, chopped | 1 | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 | 4 |
| Canned crushed tomatoes | 1 can | 400 grams |
| Beef broth | 4 cups | 960 milliliters |
| Red wine | 1 cup | 240 milliliters |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 30 milliliters |
| Fresh thyme sprigs | 3 | 3 |
| Fresh rosemary sprigs | 2 | 2 |
| Dried bay leaves | 2 | 2 |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | To taste |
Tip of the Dish
For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the beef stew meat in the red wine for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This step enhances the tenderness of the meat and infuses it with a delightful richness that will elevate your Italian stew to new heights. Additionally, as the stew simmers, periodically skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to recreate the heartwarming Nonna’s Hearty Italian Beef Stew:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the beef stew meat to the pot, and cook until it browns on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the red wine, and let it simmer for a few minutes to deglaze the pot and infuse the meat with its flavors.
- Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and sliced celery to the pot. Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes and beef broth, and mix well.
- Tie the fresh thyme sprigs, rosemary sprigs, and bay leaves together with kitchen twine to create a bouquet garni. Place the bouquet garni in the pot.
- Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the stew simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Occasionally skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface for a lighter and more refined stew.
- Once the stew is ready, remove the bouquet garni and discard.
- Serve Nonna’s Hearty Italian Beef Stew hot in deep bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delectable broth and enjoy the love and warmth of traditional Italian comfort food.
Food & Snacks 
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