Tuscan Beef Stew over Creamy Parmesan Polenta is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the rustic charm of Italian cuisine to your table. This hearty stew features tender beef, rich vegetables, and aromatic herbs, slow-cooked in a savory tomato and wine broth. Served over a bed of creamy, cheesy polenta, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant dinner party.
### Serving:
1. **Plating:** Spoon a generous serving of creamy Parmesan polenta onto each plate. Ladle the Tuscan beef stew over the top, ensuring each portion has plenty of beef and vegetables.
2. **Garnishing:** Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for an elegant touch.
### Tips and Variations:
– **Meat Options:** You can use other cuts of beef like short ribs or oxtail for a different texture and flavor.
– **Wine Choice:** A robust red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon works well in the stew.
– **Vegetable Additions:** Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
– **Make-Ahead:** Both the stew and the polenta can be made ahead of time. Reheat gently before serving.
### The Experience:
Tuscan Beef Stew over Creamy Parmesan Polenta is a dish that embodies the warmth and heartiness of traditional Italian cuisine. The stew is rich and flavorful, with tender chunks of beef that melt in your mouth. The vegetables are perfectly cooked, adding both texture and depth to the dish. The broth, infused with wine and herbs, is savory and aromatic, providing the perfect backdrop for the hearty ingredients.
The creamy Parmesan polenta serves as the perfect base, its smooth texture and cheesy flavor complementing the robust stew beautifully. Each bite is a harmonious blend of rich, savory beef, tender vegetables, and creamy polenta, making this dish a true comfort food classic.
Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a special meal for guests, Tuscan Beef Stew over Creamy Parmesan Polenta is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and comforting appeal. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down and savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup instant polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
Directions:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add beef chunks and brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
Add beef broth, crushed tomatoes, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and the browned beef. Season with salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
For the polenta, bring water to a boil in a separate pot. Gradually whisk in the polenta and keep whisking to prevent lumps.
Reduce heat and simmer until polenta is thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Serve the braised beef over the creamy Parmesan polenta.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 600 kcal | Servings: 6 servings