Beef and Guinness Irish Stew

Ingredients and Weight:

• Beef stew meat: 1.5 kg (about 3 pounds)
• Guinness beer: 2 bottles (about 500 ml each)
• Carrots: 2 large, peeled and chopped
• Potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and cubed
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Garlic: 4-5 cloves, crushed
• Beef stock or broth: 1 cup
• Fresh thyme: 1 sprig or dried thyme to taste
• Salt and pepper: To season
• Cooking oil or fat: For frying the beef

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20-25 minutes
• Cooking: 3-4 hours (low to medium heat)

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat enough oil to fry the beef in batches until browned. Remove excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
3. Pour in the Guinness beer and let it simmer for a few minutes.
4. Add the beef back to the pot, along with the beef stock or broth and fresh or dried thyme.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
6. Add the chopped carrots and potatoes, and continue cooking until the vegetables are cooked through. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

• Calories: About 400-500 depending on serving size and additional ingredients.
• Protein: About 30-40 grams
• Fat: Moderate, depending on cooking oil used
• Carbohydrates: From vegetables and potatoes
• Fiber: Rich from vegetables

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and hearty, perfect for colder weather.
• The combination of Guinness beer and beef creates a unique flavor profile that Americans often enjoy.
• A traditional dish that is both comforting and flavorful.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was amazing! The beef was so tender and the Guinness beer added a unique flavor I've never tried before."
2. "I love how hearty and flavorful this stew is. It's perfect for a cold winter night."
3. "I made this for my family and they loved it! It was so easy to make, too."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a low to medium heat when cooking the stew to ensure even cooking and tender meat.
• Season well with salt and pepper to taste, as this will enhance the flavor of the dish.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a roux (made of flour and water) towards the end of cooking to thicken the sauce.