Chuck Stew in a Regular Pot: Easy, Practical, and Tasty Recipe
Craving delicious meat but don’t have a pressure cooker at home? Don’t worry, chuck stew prepared in a conventional pot is a practical, economical, and full of flavor solution. With slow and careful cooking, this recipe makes the chuck tender, juicy, and with an irresistible sauce that fills the whole house with aroma.
Ingredients for Chuck Stew in a Regular Pot
Before you start cooking, gather everything you’ll need for this delicious recipe. Check the complete list:
- 1 kg of chuck cut into medium cubes
- 2 tablespoons of oil or olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic crushed
- 2 ripe tomatoes chopped (with skin and seeds)
- 1 small green bell pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley and green onion to taste
- Hot water enough to cover the meat
Step by Step: How to Prepare Chuck Stew in a Regular Pot
For a perfect result, follow the preparation steps carefully:
- Heat a large pot over high heat and add the oil or olive oil.
- Add the chuck cubes gradually, searing them until golden on all sides.
- Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes transparent and slightly golden.
- Add the tomatoes and bell pepper (if using), stirring until they release plenty of liquid.
- Add the tomato paste and mix well to even out the flavor.
- Cover the mixture with hot water, leaving enough to cover the meat.
- Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and partially cover the pot.
- Cook for about 1h30 to 2h, stirring occasionally and topping up with hot water if needed.
- When the chuck is tender and the sauce thickened, finish with chopped parsley and green onion and turn off the heat.
Side Dish Tips for Chuck Stew
This dish pairs well with a variety of options that enhance its flavor even more. Check out these foolproof suggestions:
- Fluffy white rice
- Fresh beans
- Mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes with butter
- Crispy garlic farofa
- Tomato salad with red onion
For a special touch, try drizzling the stew with a bit of olive oil or a few drops of lemon juice when serving.
Vegetables in the Stew: How and When to Add
Adding vegetables to the stew is an excellent way to make the recipe more nutritious and flavorful with that traditional homemade touch. You can use:
- Sliced carrots
- Potatoes cut into cubes
- Chayote
- Parsnip
- Zucchini
The tip is to add the vegetables when the meat is almost cooked, preventing them from falling apart in the sauce. This way, they absorb all the stew’s flavor, making the dish complete and delicious. And the best part: you can prepare everything in one pot!
How Long to Cook Chuck in a Regular Pot?
Cooking in a conventional pot requires patience but guarantees amazing texture and flavor. The average time is between 1h30 and 2h, but it can vary depending on the size of the pieces and the stove.
To speed up the process, cut the chuck into smaller pieces and use hot water when adding more during cooking to keep the temperature stable. During preparation, keep the lid partially open and the heat low to ensure even cooking and maintain a tasty sauce.
Want a thicker sauce? In the last 15 minutes, remove the lid so the liquid reduces and thickens.
How to Make the Stew Sauce Thicker?
If you prefer the sauce with a denser consistency, like in restaurants, try these techniques:
- Cornstarch: dissolve one tablespoon in cold water and add to the sauce, stirring until thickened.
- Wheat flour: used the same way as cornstarch, but it must be well cooked to avoid a raw flour taste.
- Mashed potato: cook a potato with the meat, mashing it inside the pot to naturally thicken the sauce.
- Natural reduction: let the sauce cook uncovered to evaporate excess liquid, intensifying the flavor.
Maintaining the sauce at the ideal consistency is essential, especially when serving with rice, so the dish becomes even more memorable.
Related Recipe
If you liked this recipe, also check out our filet mignon stew: practical, tender, and full of flavor.
Conclusion
Chuck stew prepared in a regular pot is a recipe that combines flavor, ease, and that comfort only food made patiently can offer. Ideal for any occasion, it pleases the whole family and yields a lot.
So, the next time you want a delicious and comforting meal, bet on this practical and economical recipe. Gather your ingredients and start cooking right now!
Enjoy your meal and see you next time!
