Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) beef chuck or vegetables of choice, diced
- 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
- 150g (1 cup) carrots, cubed
- 150g (1 cup) celery, sliced
- 200g (2 cups) onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15g (1 tbsp) tomato paste
- 2g (1 tsp) dried thyme
- 2g (1 tsp) dried rosemary
- 10g (2 tsp) sea salt
- 5g (1 tsp) freshly ground black pepper
- 750ml (3 cups) beef or vegetable stock
- 375ml (1.5 cups) red wine or additional stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 5g (1 tbsp) soy sauce
- 30g (1 oz) dark chocolate, 70% cocoa, finely chopped
- 5g (1 tbsp) fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Building the Base with Sautéed Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and begin to caramelize. Stir in the minced garlic and continue sautéing for 2 minutes to release its fragrance.
Step 2: Caramelizing for Umami Depth
Add the tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The caramelization of tomato paste intensifies the umami flavor, providing an essential depth to the stew.
Step 3: Browning the Meat or Vegetables
Add the diced beef or selected vegetables to the pot and brown for 8 minutes on all sides. This step creates a rich flavor profile as the surface browning introduces complex Maillard reactions.
Step 4: Deglazing and Simmering
Pour in the red wine (or extra stock if preferred) to deglaze the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Add the stock, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cover, cooking for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender or veggies are well-marinated.
Step 5: Infusing Additional Umami Elements
Towards the end of cooking, stir in the soy sauce. A hint of soy sauce enriches the umami depth further, enhancing the overall robustness of the flavor profile.
Step 6: Adding a Hint of Bitterness and Sweetness
Off heat, carefully stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate until it melts completely, adding a subtle bitter undertone that balances with the sweetness from the cooked onions and carrots.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of freshness and color.
Tasting and Adjustments
Taste the stew or soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or even a dash of vinegar for extra brightness, according to your preference.
Conclusion
By guiding through this methodical process of layering flavors, you’ve crafted a soup or stew bursting with complexity and warmth. Remember that patience and attention to detail in every step transform a simple dish into an extraordinary culinary experience. Continue experimenting with variations and dive into the alluring world of flavors, turning meals into unforgettable experiences.
