2925. BEER BEEF STEW with BACON and SHIMEJI MUSHROOMS

makes 4 servings


2 tablespoons butter, divided
2 lbs beef stew meat
3.5 oz bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 onion, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 1 inch chunks
3 oz pearl onions, peeled
3.5 oz shimeji, trimmed and separated into small sections
1/2 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 bay leaf
1/2 slice bread, torn into small pieces
1 to 2 cans beer
1 beef bouillon cube, dissolved in scant 1 cup hot water
salt
pepper

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan and cook beef over high heat. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Do this in batches, if needed. Quickly brown all sides and transfer to a large pot. Season with salt and pepper.

In the same pan, brown the bacon, then add to the pot with the beef.

Again, in the same pan, lower the heat to medium-low and add the chopped onions. Cook slowly, scraping the bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until caramelized and golden brown. Add the brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Mix well. Add half a can of beer and bring to a boil. Then, pour the onions into the pot with the beef. If little brown bits remain in the pan, add more beer and scrape, then pour into the pot.

Add the remaining beer and bouillon to the pot and turn the heat to low. Add the garlic, a couple pinches salt, pepper, bay leaf, and bread. Cover and gently simmer for 1 hour.

When the hour is almost up, heat a new pan and melt 1/2 tablespoon butter. Add the carrots and cook until they turn bright orange. Add to the simmering pot and cook for 15 minutes.

Melt another 1/2 tablespoon butter over medium heat and cook the pearl onions. Add to the pot and simmer for 30 minutes.

Lastly add the shimeji to the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Taste and add more salt, if needed. If stew becomes dry, add more beer.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Azusa, Humble Bean: A Contemporary Japanese Food Blog, March 27, 2013