Hobbit's Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew
A rustic, flavorful stew perfect for second breakfast—or any meal, really!
Ingredients:
1 kg beef stew meat, cubed
2 tbsp butter
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 large carrots, sliced
250 g mushrooms, sliced
3 medium potatoes, cubed
1 liter beef broth
1 cup ale (optional, for that authentic Hobbit touch!)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides.
Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
Add the carrots, mushrooms, and potatoes. Pour in the beef broth and ale.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until meat is tender.
Mix flour with a little water and stir into the stew to thicken. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
Remove bay leaves, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve in a bowl with crusty bread.
This stew would be right at home on Bilbo's dinner table, served alongside a tankard of ale and some good company!
Would you like a dessert to go with it? Maybe a cozy seed-cake or honeyed scones?