Red wine beef stew with potato gratin | Bibbyskitchen recipes (2024)

FAQs

What does adding red wine to stew do? ›

Just as the red wine and tomatoes work to tenderize and flavor the beef, they'll have the same impact on mushrooms and vice versa, because the mushrooms will release their earthy, comforting flavors into the stew as they cook. Drool. About the wine. Maybe you prefer not to drink it or cook with it.

Beef stew wine pairings

The dark fruit and rich tannin notes of full-bodied red wines stand up to the strong taste of the beef stew. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are terrific with beef's earthy taste. Punchy and peppery French Bordeaux and Syrah also balance nicely with strong flavours.

Best red wine for cooking beef - Merlot

Red wine and beef are a match made in heaven. While most medium-dry red wine varietals work well in beef dishes; a Merlot, with its medium tannins and moderate body is an excellent choice.

Ale makes for a heartier stew than does wine, one that's more suited to its original chilly terroir and one that's welcome here while we wait for spring to show up. At its most traditional, the carbonnade pairs beef with slow-cooked, caramelized onions. In fact, it's as much about the onions as it is about beef.

I'd start by removing as much liquid as possible, by straining the stew. Then replacing it with stock or water, perhaps with some grape or apple juice mixed in, and probably a little tomato puree/paste.

Molecules in red wine called tannins soften fats in the meat, helping to release the taste of beefy goodness. The fat in turn softens the astringent qualities of the wine, helping to mellow the beverage and produce a juicier, more fruit forward flavor.

Yukon Golds have a creamy texture and slightly waxy consistency that holds up well in stews without becoming overly mushy. They add a nice richness to the stew. Red potatoes have a smooth, thin skin and a waxy texture, red potatoes hold their shape nicely during cooking.

I replaced the other cup of wine with an extra cup of the beef stock used in the original recipe. I also added some vinegar, which returned some acidity to the dish lost by not using wine. Other juices, such as unsweetened tart cherry, cranberry or pomegranate juice, are possible substitutes for red wine.

As wine cooks, its flavor becomes concentrated, so it also lends savoriness or sweetness to a dish. Generally, dry red and white wines are recommended for savory dishes. Whether cooking with red or white wine, avoid oaky wines (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay), as these become bitter when cooked.

Generally, an opened bottle of red wine can last for up to 5 days if stored properly in a cool and dark place with a wine stopper or cork in place to prevent excess oxygen from getting in. For white wine, it can last for up to 3 days under the same storage conditions.

Can you put too much red wine in stew? ›

Remember, if the red wine is not sufficient for the meat you have prepared, you can add water. Do not use too much red wine or the meat may start to blacken.

The vinegar will loosen all the brown bits from the bottom of the pan and add flavor. Cook until the vegetables are softened, then add the tomato paste and cook for a minute more. Add the beef back into the pan and sprinkle with the flour.

Stews tend to be intensely flavoured with a rich thick sauce so you could argue that you need a big wine to hold its own. But that can be overwhelming. I prefer a slightly lighter more rustic red - grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, Malbec and Tempranillo hit the spot for me.

Wine's acidity also helps more delicate ingredients stay tender and moist in quicker-cooking recipes, such as poached vegetables or steamed fish. As wine cooks, its flavor becomes concentrated, so it also lends savoriness or sweetness to a dish. Generally, dry red and white wines are recommended for savory dishes.

The results range quite a bit: A stew containing wine, simmered at 185 degrees for 10 minutes: As much as 60 percent of the initial alcohol remained. A stew containing wine, simmered at 185 degrees for 2½ hours: About 6 percent of the initial alcohol remained.

Add wine into the saucepan; cook, stirring regularly, until reduced in volume by half, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in beef broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook at a simmer until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.