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.