Heavenly stew

Ah, Heavenly Stew—the name alone promises comfort! While there’s no single “official” recipe, it usually refers to a rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful stew with tender meat, vegetables, and a savory broth that feels almost divine. Here’s a classic approach to making it truly “heavenly.”

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1–1.5 lbs (450–680 g) beef chuck or lamb, cut into 1–2 inch cubes

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 large carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 2–3 medium potatoes, cubed

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)

• 1 cup peas (optional, add at the end)

• 3 cups beef or vegetable broth

• 1 cup red wine (optional, adds depth)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1–2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.

2. Pat meat dry, season with salt and pepper, then brown in batches to get a rich crust.

3. Remove meat and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.

2. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.

Step 3: Build the Stew

1. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes.

2. Deglaze with red wine (if using), scraping up browned bits—this adds heavenly depth.

3. Return meat to the pot.

4. Add broth, thyme, bay leaves, and potatoes. Bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 1.5–2 hours until meat is tender.

Step 4: Final Touches

1. Add mushrooms about 20–30 minutes before the end of cooking.

2. Add peas in the last 5–10 minutes.

3. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for a Truly Heavenly Stew

• Low and slow: Simmering gently makes meat tender and flavors meld beautifully.

• Don’t skip deglazing: Those browned bits are flavor gold.

• Layer vegetables: Add longer-cooking veggies first, delicate ones later.

• Optional richness: A splash of cream or a knob of butter at the end adds silky texture.

• Make ahead: Stew often tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded.

This stew is comfort food at its finest, perfect with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

If you want, I can also make a “vegetarian heavenly stew” version that’s just as rich and comforting but fully plant-based—it’s incredible for anyone who wants a meat-free version.