FOOD NEWS
Italian Dressing Is The Simple Secret For Tastier Beef Stew
BY JOHN TOLLEY
Beef stew's components — beef, stock, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and onions — can taste a little one-dimensional. Italian dressing can provide the right amount of bold seasoning.
The dressing adds flavors of oregano, basil, fennel, garlic, and paprika to the stew, while introducing a hint of tangy sweetness that balances the rich, savory flavors.
The vinegar in the dressing adds a pleasant tartness and the mild sweetness enhances the vegetables' natural sugars, while the oil adds depth and richness to the broth.
Add the dressing to the stew pot after the meat has been browned, along with other liquid components like broth, tomatoes, and wine, so all flavors meld together.
Opt for a bottled brand of the Italian dressing rather than a homemade version. Homemade vinaigrettes can be too thin to enrich the stew, and too subtle in flavor.