Flatbread with beef stew is the perfect dish for lovers of juicy, hearty meals. This recipe combines soft, warm flatbreads with a delicious beef stew made from tender beef, vegetables, and spices, creating a harmonious meal that will satisfy all food enthusiasts. The stew is rich and flavorful, and the flatbread is the perfect accompaniment, soaking up all the wonderful flavors. This meal can be prepared for lunch, dinner, or as a main course for guests.
Ingredients for Flatbread:
- 500 g of flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 7 g dry yeast
- 300 ml warm water
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Ingredients for Beef Stew:
- 800 g of beef (it’s best to use neck, shoulder, or bone-in cuts)
- 1 large onion
- 2 carrots
- 3 potatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried herb mix (oregano, thyme, rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 liter beef broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon flour (optional, for thickening)
Preparation of Flatbread:
1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. In a smaller bowl, mix the warm water with the yeast, adding a little sugar, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. Then, add the yeast mixture to the flour along with the olive oil. Stir until the ingredients are combined, then transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
2. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is essential for achieving soft, airy flatbreads.
3. Shaping and baking the flatbreads: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 6-8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, then flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin into a circle about 1 cm thick. Meanwhile, heat a skillet or grill over medium heat and place the flatbread to bake, about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and puffed up. Place the flatbreads on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Preparation of Beef Stew:
1. Preparing the meat: Wash and cut the beef into large chunks, about 3-4 cm. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the beef pieces on all sides until they are nicely browned. This step is important because searing the meat helps lock in the juices, making it tender and flavorful.
2. Adding the vegetables: Once the beef is seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil, then finely chop the onion and garlic. Sauté them until translucent, about 5 minutes. Next, add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Sauté the vegetables for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Cooking the stew: Return the beef to the pot with the vegetables and mix well. Pour in 1 liter of beef broth or water, depending on what you have on hand. If you are using water, you can add a beef bouillon cube for extra flavor. Add the dried herbs, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and simmer on medium-low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat becomes tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
4. Thickening the stew: If you want the stew to be thicker, you can add flour. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of flour with a little cold water to form a smooth paste. Gradually stir this mixture into the stew, and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until the stew thickens. Finally, add freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and flavor.
Serving:
Flatbread with beef stew is served by placing a warm flatbread on a plate, then pouring the rich, savory stew with meat and vegetables over it. You can garnish it with additional fresh parsley or any favorite seasoning, and serve with a light side dish, such as a fresh salad.
Tips:
- If you want the beef to be even more tender, marinate it for a few hours in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and a little red wine before searing it.
- For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a little tomato paste to the stew.
- This meal can be prepared in advance. The stew keeps well in the refrigerator, and you can bake the flatbreads as needed.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add fresh chili peppers to the stew for a little heat.
Conclusion:
Flatbread with beef stew is the perfect meal that combines everything needed for a filling and flavorful lunch or dinner. The rich, juicy beef stew with vegetables and spices pairs perfectly with the soft and warm flatbread. This is a dish that will satisfy the whole family and is impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether served with a salad or as the main dish, flatbread with beef stew is sure to be a hit!
