FOOD NEWS
Thicken Your Next Batch Of Beef Stew With A Simple Puree Technique
BY CATHERINE NYORANI
To elevate beef stew, simply puree some of the ingredients. This helps to thicken the dish and unlocks a depth of flavor that can transform beef stew into a gourmet experience.
The secret lies in the stew's ingredients. Potatoes, for example, release their starch when pureed and act as natural thickening agents.
Once your stew is nearing the end of its cooking time and is still more watery than you'd like, scoop out a cup or two of the vegetables and liquid, leaving out the meat chunks.
Use a blender, food processor, or handheld immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Then, gently stir it back into the main pot of stew, and watch it thicken.
Allow the stew to simmer for a few more minutes to ensure the flavor is evenly spread. If you find that your stew is still not as thick as you'd like, just repeat the process.