# What You Need:
→ Beef Stew
01 - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
06 - 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
07 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
08 - 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, quartered
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 1 cup dry red wine
11 - 4 cups beef broth
12 - 2 bay leaves
13 - 1 tsp dried thyme
14 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
15 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
16 - 1½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
17 - ½ tsp black pepper
18 - 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
19 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
20 - 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
21 - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
→ Crusty Homemade Bread
22 - 3½ cups bread flour, plus extra for dusting
23 - 2 tsp kosher salt
24 - 1 tsp instant yeast
25 - 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
# Directions:
01 - In a large bowl, combine bread flour, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and stir until a sticky dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours until doubled in size.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat beef cubes dry and brown in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Set aside browned beef.
03 - In the same pot, sauté diced onion for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic, carrots, parsnips, celery, and mushrooms, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
05 - Return browned beef to the pot. Add beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
06 - Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Add potatoes and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Simmer uncovered for another 45 minutes until beef and vegetables are tender.
08 - If thicker consistency is preferred, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 5 more minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
09 - About 45 minutes before serving, preheat oven to 450°F. Place a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot inside to heat for 30 minutes.
10 - Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and shape into a round loaf. Place on parchment paper, cover loosely, and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
11 - Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Lift the dough with parchment paper and place inside. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until golden and crusty.
12 - Let bread cool slightly before slicing. Ladle stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with warm bread.
