Spezzatino (Beef Stew With Potatoes)

Today we will talk about and learn to cook a traditional Italian stew “Spezzatino con Patate”. This is a very attractive and nutritious dish, which is prepared on very low heat. Moreover, Potatoes are allowed to slowly cook in delicious beef stew until it turns flavorful, yummy and tender.

This is a recipe that is used during cold days. In this recipe we will make carrot, potato, tomato and celery sauce and mix it with pieces of tender beef. Rosemary and bay leaves are used in it. Every piece of meat is well prepared which is full of flavors.

CONTENT OF RECIPE

Ingredients / Ingredienti	1.75 Pounds Beef Stew 2.2 Pounds of Potatoes 1.5 Cups Tomato Sauce 1 Cup Red Wine 2 Cups Beef Broth 2 Carrots1 Large Onion 2 Celery Stalks 2 Cloves of Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Salt And Pepper to Taste Fresh Rosemary 2 Bay Leaves Freshly Chopped Parsley
Cooking Time / Tempo di cottura	2 Hours & 10 Minutes
Cooking Temperature / Temperatura di cottura	400°F ~ 200°C (For Beef) 210°F ~ 99°C (For Stew)
Utensils / Utensili	Bowl Frying Pan Serving Plate
Cooking Method / Metodo di cottura	Stove

METHOD

Prepare the Ingredients

Step 1: First, cut the beef into cubes of about 1.5 inches.

Step 2: Peel and slice the potatoes in big pieces.

Step 3: Peel the carrots and chop them well.

Step 4: Chop the celery, onion and garlic.

Brown Meat

Step 5: Add extra virgin olive oil in a large pan and then heat it on the stove.

Step 6: Add the beef cubes and continue to cook until brown.

Step 7: Take the meat off the pan.

Make the Soffritto

Step 8: In the same pot, add more oil as required. Add all the essential ingredients like onion, garlic, celery and carrot. Cook over medium flame until onions turn golden and vegetables become soft.

Cook the Meat

Step 9: Add the meat to the pot along with the boiled vegetables.

Step 10: Add red wine and start cooking until it evaporates completely.

Add the Liquids

Step 11: Put tomato sauce in it and mix well.

Step 12: Now add bay leaves and rosemary.

Step 13: Cover the meat and vegetables with the broth.

Step 14: After a boil, let it cook on low heat. Stir occasionally and simmer for about 1.5 hours.

Add the Potatoes

Step 15: With salt and pepper

Step 16: After 1.5 hours, put the potato pieces in the pot.

Step 17: Continuously cook it for 30-40 minutes until the potatoes become tender and soft.

Additional Contacts

Step 18: After cooking, let the sauce thicken for a few minutes on high heat, uncovered. You can also add a little fresh chopped parsley before serving as per your preference.

Serving

Step 19: Enjoy this flavorful sauce with rustic bread; hope you like and enjoy it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is spezzatino in English?

Spezzatino is an Italian dish while in English it is known as Italian Beef Stew.

What types of potatoes are best for beef stew?

Russet potatoes will work well, but Yukon Gold potatoes are the perfect balance for this.

When should I add potatoes to stew?

Add the potatoes when it's the last hour of cooking to the stew. This time will prevent them from becoming soggy.

How to make beef stew more flavorful?

After browning the meat, stir in a few tablespoons of tomato paste and heat it gently to enhance its flavors.

What is the best thickener for beef stew?

Flour, corn flour and arrowroot are the three main thickening agents for gravy.