Istrian Stew

Ingredients

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

Beef stew meat

1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch chunks

Onion

1 large, finely chopped

Garlic

4 cloves, minced

Tomato paste

2 tablespoons

Red wine

1 cup

Carrots

2 large, peeled and sliced into rounds

Potatoes

2 large, peeled and cut into chunks

Red bell pepper

1 large, cut into strips

Bay leaves

2

Dried thyme

1 teaspoon

Salt

to taste

Pepper

to taste

Beef broth

4 cups

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat, season with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
4. Pour in the red wine, simmer for a few minutes to reduce, and allow the beef to absorb the wine's robust flavor.
5. Add the sliced carrots, chunky potatoes, and strips of red bell pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. Season the stew with bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the stew to a boil.
7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 2 hours. During this time, the beef should become tender and the flavors well integrated.
8. Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaves. Serve the Istrian stew hot, and savor the hearty comfort of this Croatian classic.