Nothing says comfort food quite like a rich, savory beef stew served in a warm, crusty bread bowl. This recipe combines tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, all nestled inside a hollowed-out loaf of bread. The bread bowl soaks up the delicious stew, making every bite a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 large carrots, sliced into thick rounds
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cold water (for thickening)
For the Bread Bowls:
- 4 round sourdough loaves (small to medium-sized)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for brushing the bread)