Hairy Bikers Beef Stew is a quintessentially British comfort food, made famous by the Hairy Bikers, Si King and Dave Myers. These two chefs have traveled the world, gathering recipes and cooking techniques, but it’s their homely, hearty dishes that have captured the hearts of many.
Their beef stew is no exception, known for its rich flavors, tender meat, and the warmth it brings to any table. This stew combines a variety of simple ingredients that meld together over slow cooking, creating a dish that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying.
What Goes Best with Hairy Bikers Beef Stew
The stew is a standalone masterpiece, but it pairs wonderfully with a few sides to make a complete meal. Traditional accompaniments include:
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, buttery side that complements the rich stew.
Steamed Greens: Such as kale or spinach, to add a touch of freshness and color.
Yorkshire Pudding: An iconic British side, ideal for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
To make the Hairy Bikers Beef Stew, you’ll need:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 onions, chopped
– 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 bottle (about 2 cups) of ale or stout
– 4 cups beef stock
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
How to Prepare Hairy Bikers Beef Stew
1. Brown the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Deglaze: Pour in the ale or stout, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Simmer: Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef stock, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. Thicken: If desired, mix flour with a little water to make a paste, then stir into the stew to thicken.
6. Final Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Hairy Bikers Beef Stew
Ingredients
- - 2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
- - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- - 2 onions chopped
- - 4 carrots peeled and sliced
- - 2 celery stalks sliced
- - 2 garlic cloves minced
- - 1 bottle about 2 cups of ale or stout
- - 4 cups beef stock
- - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- - 2 bay leaves
- - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour optional, for thickening
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Deglaze: Pour in the ale or stout, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer: Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef stock, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Thicken: If desired, mix flour with a little water to make a paste, then stir into the stew to thicken.
- Final Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
Browning the Meat: Don't skip browning the beef cubes. This step adds a depth of flavor to the stew that you won't achieve by simply simmering the beef.
Slow Cook: Patience is key. Allowing the stew to simmer gently over a low heat not only tenderizes the meat but also allows the flavors to develop fully.
Ale or Stout: The choice of ale or stout can significantly influence the stew's flavor profile. A darker beer will contribute a richer, more complex taste.
Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker gravy, use the flour-water paste as suggested. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables and stir them back into the stew.
How to Serve Hairy Bikers Beef Stew
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with any of the recommended sides for a hearty meal.
How to Reheat Hairy Bikers Beef Stew
Microwave: Place the stew in a microwave-safe container and cover. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stew to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes or until hot throughout.
Stovetop: Pour the stew into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
How to Store Leftovers of Harry Bikers Beef Stew
Cool the stew completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute beef with lamb or even venison for a different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make the stew without alcohol?
Absolutely, you can replace the ale or stout with additional beef stock or a non-alcoholic stout.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add parsnips, potatoes, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of Hairy Bikers Beef Stew will vary based on the specific ingredients used. However, a typical serving contains approximately:
– Calories: 350-400
– Protein: 35g
– Fat: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 15g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sugar: 5g
Hairy Bikers Beef Stew offers a delightful blend of robust flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for chilly evenings or any time you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting.
Its traditional British roots and the personal touch of the Hairy Bikers make it a beloved recipe among fans of the duo and home cooks alike.
The process of slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and meld together, resulting in a stew that’s rich in taste and tender in texture.
Tips for Perfect Hairy Bikers Beef Stew
Choosing the Right Cut: Opt for beef chuck or another tough cut that benefits from long, slow cooking. These cuts tend to be more flavorful and become incredibly tender after hours of simmering.
Browning the Meat: Don’t skip browning the beef cubes. This step adds a depth of flavor to the stew that you won’t achieve by simply simmering the beef.
Slow Cook: Patience is key. Allowing the stew to simmer gently over a low heat not only tenderizes the meat but also allows the flavors to develop fully.
Ale or Stout: The choice of ale or stout can significantly influence the stew’s flavor profile. A darker beer will contribute a richer, more complex taste.
Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker gravy, use the flour-water paste as suggested. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables and stir them back into the stew.
Serving Suggestions
While the stew is a hearty dish on its own, serving it with the right sides can elevate the meal. Consider timing if you’re making homemade mashed potatoes or Yorkshire pudding, ensuring everything is ready to serve at the same time.
For a lighter option, a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
Making Ahead and Freezing
Hairy Bikers Beef Stew is an excellent option for meal prep as it freezes and reheats well. Making the stew in advance allows the flavors to meld together even more, often making leftovers taste even better than the freshly made stew. Just remember to cool the stew as quickly as possible before freezing to maintain the best quality.
Conclusion
Hairy Bikers Beef Stew is more than just a recipe; it’s a comfort food that warms the soul. Its simplicity, combined with the depth of flavor achieved through slow cooking, makes it a favorite among those who try it.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Hairy Bikers or just discovering this delightful dish, it’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
So gather your ingredients, and let the magic of slow cooking bring a piece of British comfort food to your table.
