I gotta tell ya about this recipe, an old family favorite, the Beef Guinness Stew from Simon Pearce. I pulled this recipe ages ago from either Bon Appetit or Gourmet; I think it might have been a write-in request and it’s been a St. Paddy’s Day celebration dinner and family fave off and on ever since.
Beef Guinness Stew from Simon Pearce
When I was looking for a recipe for the simple stew I grew up with, a friend came through for me, the same friend who passed on what has become our family’s favorite Thanksgiving stuffing. Here’s the recipe for the easiest stew, ever, Old Fashioned Beef Stew. You might see this same stew sometimes called Five Hour Stew and you’ll see why soon enough!
Old Fashioned Beef Stew
How do I know about Brunswick Stew Virginia Style? Back in the ’70s, we went on one of the very few family vacations that didn’t include dogs (My Dad raised Goldens and showed extensively), probably to try to instill some sort of family bonding combined with patriotic zeal to renew our faith in Family, God, and Country.
Brunswick Stew Virginia Style
This Beef & Guinness Stew is a wondrous thing – a rich, heady stew that rides the fine line between the richness of the gravy and slight bitterness of the Guinness; a stew that balances so closely neither sweet or bitter is detected; instead all melds into one glorious and delicious concoction. And of course for a special occasion like St. Paddy’s I couldn’t resist taking that stew and turning it into Beef & Guinness Pies.
Beef & Guinness Pies
I don’t know about you guys, but I’m crazy about stew. I just love it on a cold wintery day, cooking low and slow and if it’s fogging over the windows as it slowly braises, even better. I think it adds to the whole ambiance! I have several fave stews but of all of them, this is hands down the one I crave the most. It’s my Beef Stew with Wine (or not) and Bacon.
Beef Stew with Wine (or not) and Bacon. Serve over mashed or noodles.