Teresa's Recipes
Spezzatino di Manzo
Spezzatino di Manzo is a heartwarming Italian beef stew that transports you to the rustic kitchens of Italy. This dish features tender chunks of beef simmered slowly with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a symphony of flavors that warm the soul. Traditionally enjoyed in colder months, this stew is often served with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta, making it a beloved comfort food in many Italian households. Each bite evokes a sense of home and tradition, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces Beef stew meat
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 teaspoons, fresh or 1 teaspoon dried Thyme
- 2 teaspoons, fresh or 1 teaspoon dried Rosemary
- 2 Bay leaves
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 1 cup Red wine
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 stalks, chopped Celery
- 2, chopped Carrots
- 1, chopped Onion
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 25g
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 6g
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the beef stew meat and season with salt and pepper. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavors.
- Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Return the browned beef stew meat to the pot and add the beef broth, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Before serving, remove the bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme sprigs. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping or over cooked pasta for a heartier meal.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, you can sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Feel free to add potatoes or mushrooms for extra heartiness.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.