If you’ve ever found a bowl of beef stew that’s a little too thin for your liking, don’t worry – there are several easy ways to thicken it up!
This blog post will cover simple methods for thickening beef stew, including using flour or cornstarch, adding pureed vegetables, and even using a few instant potato flakes.
No matter your preference, you’ll find a method that works for you and your beef stew. Let’s get started!
When Should I Thicken My Beef Stew?
You should thicken your beef stew when it has reached the desired level of cooking, but the broth is still too thin for your taste.
If you try to thicken the stew before it has finished cooking, the extra ingredients you add may not have enough time to fully incorporate into the broth, resulting in an uneven consistency.
It’s best to wait until the beef and vegetables are tender before thickening the stew. This will also ensure that the flavors have had time to fully develop and meld together.
How To Thicken Beef Stew?
There are several ways to thicken the beef stew, each with its own pros and cons. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Flour Or Cornstarch
One of the most common ways to thicken beef stew is flour or cornstarch. To do this, mix equal parts of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
Slowly pour the slurry into the stew, constantly stirring, until the desired thickness is achieved. Be sure to cook the stew for a few more minutes after adding the slurry to allow the flour or cornstarch to fully incorporate and cook.
2. Pureed Vegetables
Another option is to use pureed vegetables to thicken the stew. This works especially well if you have some over-cooked vegetables in the stew that have broken down and become soft.
Simply remove a cup or so of the cooked vegetables from the stew and puree them in a blender or food processor. Stir the puree back into the stew to add thickness.
3. Instant Potato Flakes
A quick and easy way to thicken beef stew is to stir in a small number of instant potato flakes. This will add both thickness and a bit of extra flavor to the stew. Simply sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of the flakes, stirring until they are fully incorporated.
4. Reduced Cooking Liquid
If you prefer a thicker stew but don’t want to add any additional ingredients, you can try reducing the cooking liquid. Simply allow the stew to simmer for an extended time, uncovered until some liquid has evaporated. This will leave you with a thicker broth.
No matter which method you choose, slowly add the thickening agent and taste as you go to avoid over-thickening the stew.
How to Thicken Beef Stew
Conclusion
There are several simple methods for thickening beef stew, including using flour or cornstarch, pureed vegetables, instant potato flakes, and reducing the cooking liquid. No matter your preference, you can find a method that works for you and your beef stew.
Just be sure to add the thickening agent slowly and taste as you go to avoid over-thickening. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy a hearty, perfectly thickened beef stew in no time!
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