Beef and Stout Stew

Beef and Stout Stew

Bierbreedie (BEER-bree-dee)

Beef and Stout Stew

Prep Time 2 hours 30 min
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 420 kcal

A rich, dark South African beef stew braised low and slow in milk stout beer with root vegetables, creating a deeply savory, malty sauce that coats every tender morsel.

Nutrition & Info

440 kcal per serving
Protein 36.0g
Carbs 24.0g
Fat 20.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten

Equipment Needed

heavy casserole pot cutting board sharp knife

Presentation Guide

Vessel: cast iron pot

Garnishes: fresh thyme, crusty bread

Accompaniments: crusty bread, rice

Instructions

  1. 1

    Season beef with salt and pepper, dust lightly with flour. Brown in batches in hot oil. Remove and set aside.

  2. 2

    Sauté onions in the same pot until deeply caramelized, about 12 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste, cook 1 minute.

  3. 3

    Pour in the stout beer, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

  4. 4

    Return beef to the pot. Add stock, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.

  5. 5

    Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 hours. Add carrots and potatoes, cook another 40 minutes until everything is tender.

  6. 6

    Adjust seasoning. The sauce should be thick and glossy. Serve with crusty bread.

💡

Did You Know?

South Africa has a thriving craft beer scene, and many breweries produce stouts specifically marketed for cooking traditional bredies and stews.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • heavy casserole pot
  • cutting board
  • sharp knife

Garnishing

fresh thyme, crusty bread

Accompaniments

crusty bread, rice

The Story Behind Beef and Stout Stew

Bredies (stews) are a cornerstone of Cape Dutch cuisine, dating to the earliest days of the Cape Colony. The use of beer in stewing reflects both Dutch and British colonial influences. Milk stout, particularly from the Castle and Mitchell's breweries, became the preferred brewing liquid for rich winter stews.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed winter dinner 📜 Origins: Cape Dutch colonial era

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