What makes your beef stew superb?

[B'sgirl]

I asked a similar question when I was making salsa and ended up with great salsa. I'm making beef stew today and I don't need a recipe--the basic ingredients aren't what I need. I just want something to add so DH will say, "Wow, that is incredible!"

So what do you put in your beef stew that makes it different, delicious, and incredible?

[GrillingFool]

I hear you have to start with good stock.....

Never have made beef stew, myself.

hmmmm......

[pdswife]

the best beef stew I ever made had red wine added to the broth

[Jeekinz]

I dredge the meat and use Port wine.

[pacanis]

I consider this a basic ingredient, but at any rate, enough bay leaves to impart an aroma, as well as a subtle taste. Usually 2-3 for the amount I make, depending on the size of the leaf. I think good beef stew needs that aroma as your leaning over a steaming bowl.
mmmm......

[Andy M.]

Tomato paste
Worcestershire or soy sauce
red wine

[letscook]

I always us a chuck roast instead of the stew beef. Stew beef i have found is tougher. the chuck roast has alot more flavor and when all done just falls apart.
I don't cut it up until it is all done.

[pacanis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by letscook I always us a chuck roast instead of the stew beef. Stew beef i have found is tougher. the chuck roast has alot more flavor and when all done just falls apart. I don't cut it up until it is all done.

That's interesting. Do you flour it or brown it first?

Another thing I do is brown the beef in the same pot you are going to use. Dredged in flour like Jeekin's said, and well seasoned.

[jennyema]

Guiness beer or red wine.

Well seasoned chuck. Nicely browned.

Good quality beef broth or stock.

and, like Andy said, soy sauce or worcestershire sauce

Cooked in the oven, low and slow.

[elaine l]

I add red wine, can of tomatoes and a jar of hoisin sauce. The rest is just the usual ingredients.