Smoky Beef Stew with Blue Cheese and Chives

Bacon, smoked paprika, and chipotle chile powder (from dried smoked jalapeños) give this stew layers of smoky flavor. Prep and Cook Time: 4 hours. Notes: You can make this a day ahead through step 3 and chill it. Add 15 minutes to the cooking time for the potatoes, since the liquid will take longer to boil. Find smoked paprika (often labeled pimentón de La Vera) at gourmet grocery stores.

Total Time: 4 hour(s)
Yield: Makes 8 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients

• About 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 4  pounds  beef chuck, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1 1/2-in. pieces
• 4  strips hardwood-smoked bacon, chopped
• 2  large onions, peeled and cut into 1/2-in. wedges
• About 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4  cup  flour
• 1  tablespoon  smoked paprika (see Notes)
• 1  teaspoon  chipotle chile powder
• 2  bottles (750 ml. each) dry red wine
• 2  pounds  russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large pieces
• 1  pound  carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4- by 2-in. sticks
• 1  tablespoon  butter
• 1/2  cup  crumbled blue cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4  cup  minced chives

Preparation

1. Heat a heavy, large casserole or Dutch oven (not nonstick) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp. oil. When hot, add 1/5 to 1/4 of the beef. The first piece should sizzle when it hits the pot; if it doesn't, remove it and wait for the oil to get hotter. The pieces should not touch—you want plenty of room so the juices will evaporate quickly and the meat can brown. Cook until well browned and a bit crusted, about 5 minutes each side, adjusting heat so meat sizzles but does not burn. They're ready to turn when they release from the pot easily. Transfer meat to a bowl and repeat with remaining meat and oil, for a total of 4 or 5 batches. This takes about an hour when done properly.

2. Preheat oven to 350°. Add bacon to pot and cook until fat renders and bacon starts to brown. Transfer bacon to bowl with beef. Add onions to pot and stir in 1 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring, until onions begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Transfer onions to bowl with beef. Add flour to pot and cook, stirring, until it starts to turn golden and smells faintly of piecrust, about 2 minutes. Add smoked paprika and chipotle powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds.

3. Add wine and increase heat to high. Scrape up any browned bits from bottom of pot. Add reserved beef, bacon, and onions. Bring mixture to a boil. Cover and bake until meat is tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

4. Return pot to stove. Add potatoes and bring to a boil. Add carrots and bring back to a boil. Adjust heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, uncovered, until vegetables are tender, 30 minutes. Stir in butter and add salt to taste. Serve hot, garnished with blue cheese, pepper, and chives.

Note: Nutrition analysis is per 1 1/2-cup serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

795 (40% from fat)

Protein:

51g

Fat:

35g (sat 13)

Carbohydrate:

35g

Fiber:

4g

Sodium:

766mg

Cholesterol:

170mg