Tounjski Stew Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 potatoes, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- 2 tbsp. water

Special Equipment Needed:
- Dutch oven or large pot with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid.
6. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
7. Add chopped carrots, potatoes, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
8. Cover with a lid and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
9. Stir in frozen peas and cook for another 5-10 minutes until heated through.
10. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth.
11. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the stew and cook for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
12. Remove the bay leaf and serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer over low heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 1100mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Beef stew meat can be substituted with lamb or pork stew meat.
- Frozen peas can be substituted with frozen green beans or corn.
- Red and green bell peppers can be substituted with any color bell pepper.
- Cornstarch can be substituted with flour or arrowroot powder.

Variations:
- Add 1 cup of cooked chickpeas or beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
- Add 1 tsp. of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

Tips and Tricks:
- Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Browning the meat before adding the vegetables adds flavor to the stew.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the stew to prevent the meat from breaking apart.
- If the stew is too thick, add more beef broth or water to thin it out.

Storage Instructions:
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the stew in a pot over low heat until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the stew in a bowl with a slice of crusty bread on the side.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the stew is too thin, whisk together 1 tbsp. of cornstarch with 1 tbsp. of water and stir it into the stew. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
- If the stew is too thick, add more beef broth or water to thin it out.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the beef stew meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover stew in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food History:
Tounjski Stew is a traditional Croatian dish that originated in the town of Tounj. It is a hearty stew made with beef, vegetables, and spices.

Flavor Profiles:
Tounjski Stew is a savory and slightly spicy dish with a rich tomato-based broth.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve Tounjski Stew as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbal, Spicy, Earthy