Sunday, November 23, 2008

Is That Beef Stew?

Click on this picture to enlarge it - it's worth it!

OMG, is that beef stew?

Answer: Yup, sure is...although it's been deconstructed a bit.

Honestly, it's getting rather cold here in Chicago and there's nothing better than a warm pot of stew, right? BUT, who has time to cook stew these days? I'm 26 years old and I'm always on the go - when I want something...I want it now. No time for waiting - so, here's my version of a deconstructed beef stew.

WARNING: Read the next paragraph slowly. You've gotta take it all in.

It's seared rib eye steaks that have been coated with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The rib eye is sitting on a wonderful cannelini bean puree that has been flavored with garlic, rosemary, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and roasted leeks. We have root veggies that get tossed in salt, pepper, balsamic, and olive oil and roasted until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. The whole dish gets tied together with two things; a cheddar and rosemary drop biscuit (I mean who can have stew without bread?) and a pan sauce made from onions, garlic, beef stock, and red wine.

*pauses for a sec*

I know, I know - you've gotta take this all in. I mean seriously, this totally satisfies any beef stew fix...like seriously!

How long did it take me? An astounding 27 minutes from start to finish. I'm so freaking serious - and I know you don't believe me. That's okay - I'm giving you step by step directions.

Let's go.

Step 1: Cut and clean the veggies. Place them on a sheet tray and toss with kosher salt, cracked pepper, really good olive oil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. These get roasted for 20 minutes in a really hot oven - about 400 degrees.




















Step 2 - The Drop Biscuits. I totally cheated here - but who cares - the finished product is just as tasty, if not tastier. I used a cup of Bisquick and mixed it with a tablespoon of minced rosemary, 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese, and about 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Drop the balls onto a greased sheet pan and into that same hot oven for about 10 minutes - they cook fast, so watch out.







































































Step 3 - Let the beef rest at room temperature for a bit. Season the oustide with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Minus well chop up what you need for the sauce - it goes quick. 1/4 cup of onion, 2 garlic cloves, and a teaspoon or so of chopped rosemary.




































Step 4 - The Sauce - saute the rosemary, garlic, and onions together for two minutes with a bit of olive oil over a medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of good red wine and 1/4 cup of really good beef stock. Reduce over medium heat until thickened and stir in 1 tablespoon of butter at the end.






















































Step 5 - The Cannelini Bean Puree. Simple and tasty. Drain a can of cannelini beans and put into a blender. Add those roasted leeks (as many as you like) a drizzle of olive oil, salt, 1 minced garlic clove, and pepper, and pulse into a thick puree. If you need more liquid add a bit of beef stock or some of the liquid from the canned beans. Place in a sauce pan to heat through. Add as much fresh grated Parmesan cheese as you like and heat through.




















The Last Step - Plate and enjoy!

67 comments:

Vicki said...

Darius, that looks so good! I want to dip a potato in that sauce right now.

brneyedgal967 said...

I love you. There, I said it - you are an AMAZING cook!!! I actually think I might be able to make this - you make it look so easy. AND 27 MINUTES??

Move over Rachael Ray... that's all I gotta say.

Christo Gonzales said...

besides being 22 years older than you - I dont know...you are an amazing cook and future king cook....

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Very neatly presented! I love everything on this plate! Yummy!

Cheers,

Rosa

Clumbsy Cookie said...

Can I be your neighbour?

Finla said...

Here too it is getting cold, we had snow for thelast two days and this stew would be a real comforting food here.

RunningMom said...

Looks delish! How did you cook the ribeye?

Do you own a slow-cooker?

OhioMom said...

Not a beef eater :) but those veggies are my idea of heaven on earth .. roasting root vegetables is the only way to go in my book.

Great pics!

Adam said...

Yo D that looks simply sensational! I didn't believe you at the 27 minutes thing, but after the sweet play by play, I know it can be done. Beef Stew is awesome, especially because we are all avoiding turkey until Thursday :)

jesse said...

27 minutes?? Rachael Ray can SUCK IT.

Mrs Count said...

I stay making (and eating the entire pan) bisquick cheddar biscuits, never tried the rosemary thought.....

I think I'll try to make this dish when my parent's come over for dinner!

Allie said...

The whole dish looks spectacular! I love the idea of a deconstructed stew. Very creative!

Christine said...

That sounds incredibly good! The cannelini bean puree is just genius. And you're right, it's almost lunacy not to have some form of bread with stew.

DJ Black Adam said...

Damn! How am I supposed to eat my turkey on wheat sandwich for lunch after seeing that?

Anonymous said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE the cannelini bean puree.

QUESTION: What kind of red wine did u use? I am leary of cooking wines and instead like to use an inexpensive "regular" wine because the flavor stays after cooking.

This looks soooooo good.

Unknown said...

*drool* i just ate lunch but i could totally down this!! haha, i can't believe how quick you did that :) i'm with everyone else about the cannelini puree, yum...

Alicia Foodycat said...

I had to read that over twice it was so good! I don't know if the best bit is the steak, the sauce, the root veg or the bean puree, because it all sounds amazing!

The Short (dis)Order Cook said...

That is the best beef stew I've ever seen. Just beautiful.

Janine said...

I'm salivating

Lori said...

Oh yum, this looks so warm and comforting!

clnmike said...

Do you know how many women I am going seduce by using your recipes?

THANK YOU!

Barbara GF said...

You are very creative, Darius. What a beautiful co-mingling of flavors. I love the bean puree and drop biscuit!

MzInspiredMind81 said...

Yea you've definitely recreated and redefined beef stew. That looks delicious. I know your place smelled like Heaven while that was cooking!

Jennifer said...

You are one creative mo fo! I adore this recipe and in 27 minutes, whoo hoo!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh!!!! I'm so in love with your blog. All of the food looks SO good. I bet people love you. My hubby is just now starting to try his hand at cooking so we will definitely be trying some of your recipe's.

Ok, so now I'm hungry. Thanks. LOL

Heather said...

Shoot, I guess they don't call it Bisquick for nothing! That looks like a damn fine way to get your stew on in only 27 minutes. Rachael Ray can suck it.

eatingclubvancouver_js said...

What a great idea to have a deconstructed beef stew! Looks awesome!

Emily said...

Gosh, I'm really hungry for meat now.

clnmike said...

You have been awarded the Superior Scribbler Award.

At http://thehappygoluckybachelor.blogspot.com/2008/11/sjp-flatters-me-by-awarding-me-with.html

Debbie said...

One of the best meals I have seen on a blog yet. I mean that. It looks fantastic! Would you please come down to Virginina and cook for me!!!!!!

Gloria Baker said...

mmm Darius! your food look always soooooo tasty and yummy!!! xxGloria

Anonymous said...

Sweet jeeeeebus that looks good! That cannelini puré is screaming my name. So making that. Like, today. *smacking lips*

Maria said...

I love all of your photos! Looks like a tasty meal!! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I grew up in IL...we aren't going home for Turkey day but we are for Christmas and I can't wait. I Hope it doesn't get too cold, but I know it usually does:)

Colleen said...

Oh my Lord, this looks amazing! What a great idea!

tavolini said...

cheddar and rosemary drop biscuit. cheddar and rosemary drop biscuit.
cheddar and rosemary drop biscuit.

omg, Darius, this sounds SO GOOD!!!

1969 said...

Simply Amazing!

Pam said...

Wow. What a fantastic meal! I love your different take on a beef stew...very creative.

Unknown said...

oh my, what a perfect meal!!! my hubby will definitely love that... :)

Laquita said...

Wow - this looks great :o)

Cynthia said...

So, does the 27 minutes include you stopping to take photographs? :D

N'Drea ~ the Storyteller said...

If I were still a meat-eater, I would devour this.

PG said...

It's harder to read slowly because it just makes me more aware of the delicious food that isn't being made at my place for dinner.

I definitely want to try the sauce.

Anonymous said...

Looks pretty tasty. Love the root veggies this time of year, and deconstructed is a pretty fun way to keep it from being cliche. And who doesn't want to chew into a steak at any time of year?

Anonymous said...

Danggggggggggggg, so what the hell was I cooking all these years....


lol, I am hiring you to cook for my wedding??

;( believe you told me that you dont remember if Ive been to your blog....pplllttt (spitting atcha) lol

Anonymous said...

Not familiar with the concept of serving biscuits with beef stew, but it sounds interesting!

Fitness Foodie said...

Love the step by step photos. This meal looks incredibly delicious.

amycaseycooks said...

Wow!! That looks much better than any beef stew I have ever had. I would like to like beef stew, but never have. Now I can see myself putting your beef stew on my list of recipes to try!!

Thanks!

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

When are you opening up a restaurant? When you do, I want to know about it!

NKP said...

You are a catch, my friend. What a spread! I wish I was your neighbour, I would even do the dishes!

Anonymous said...

I think I can smell this cooking.... it looks fantastic!

sonya said...

This looks amazing! So yum yum yum yum!

Daziano said...

I loved your post and I loved your recipe! Happy Thanksgiving!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Darius!

Teresa said...

Darius,

That looks amazing! My dh is *so* gonna love you! LOL! I prefer to eat vegetarian so it isn't often that I bookmark things my carnivorous husband would love. Yum!

Katrina said...

That really does look so good! Even though I just finished Thanksgiving and am so full right now. Hope you've had a great day!

test it comm said...

That is one tasty looking meal!

RecipeGirl said...

Whoa, that is some GOOD lookin' stew you've got there. I loved looking at your close up, and your description made me drool :)

vanillasugarblog said...

We need more bisquits! LOL I eat way too many bisquits, especially those with cheese in them.
This is one fine looking meal. My hubby would be alllll over this one.

C. Baptiste-Williams said...

that looks great man!!

The CDM said...

What, no peas?

Anonymous said...

OMG deconstructed stew...that is so for me!

sj said...

oh man... oh man! incredible. that is all I can say. That and I WANT!

Lisa magicsprinkles said...

OMG is right! That would SO cure any hankerin' for beef I would have. Thanks for sharing this one - it's a keeper!

Sugee Andersyn said...

Omg, that's pretty ridiculous!! That looks so good, I'd SO pay expensive for that right now! I want that meal right now, man! I'm so hungry! What a great post and great instructions with pics. :)

Anonymous said...

Ain't nothing wrong with a lil Bisquick! That plate looks scrumptious.

Diva's Thoughts said...

I am loving those pics!! Looks like you have a GREAT time.

Jeanne said...

LOL - it's like all the goodness of beef stew without the anoying waiting bit in the middle :)