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Easy beef stew recipe

Harissa Beef and Leek Stew

This harissa beef and leek stew is not just rich and comforting; it's smoky, flavorful, spicy, and will have you wanting more snow days, so you have an excuse to make it regularly.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Inactive time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8
Calories: 486kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For serving:

Instructions

Prepare the beef:

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
  • Pat the beef dry and transfer to a bowl. Cover with 3 tablespoons flour, 3 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1½ teaspoons black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.

Brown the beef:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, begin browning the beef in batches, about 3 minutes per side, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Adjust the heat as needed and transfer back to the bowl once all of the meat is well-browned.

Cook the aromatics:

  • If the pot seems dry, add another teaspoon or two of extra virgin olive oil. Return the heat to medium. Add the sliced leeks and diced celery. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until the celery begins to soften.
  • Add the garlic, carrots, and potatoes. Season lightly with salt. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

Brown the harissa paste:

  • Add the harissa paste to the pot and stir to coat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

Simmer the stew:

  • Return the beef to the pot and cover with 6 cups of low-sodium beef stock. Add 2 bay leaves and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and cover the pot. Transfer to the oven for 1½ to 2 hours or until the beef is very tender.
  • Remove the pot from the oven and skim any excess fat or oil from the top.

Finish the stew:

  • Turn the heat on the stew to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes to reduce and thicken the broth further. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Prepare the pistachio garnish:

  • Place the minced parsley, chopped pistachios, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

To serve:

  • Ladle the stew into bowls. Scatter the pistachio garnish on each bowl. Serve with crusty bread or homemade dinner rolls. Enjoy!

Notes

Note 1: Depending on the harissa paste you use, you may want to opt for low-sodium beef stock, as some harissa can be a little salty. If you’re using a powdered harissa spice blend, you may want to opt for traditional beef stock to ensure your stew isn’t bland. If using a paste, taste it first and adjust your approach to beef stock accordingly. If you don’t have low-sodium beef stock, you can use half water and half beef stock to reduce the saltiness.

Nutrition

Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 15g | Sodium: 356mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin C: 33mg
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