Estofado de Carne con Vino Tinto: Spanish Beef Stew

1. Rinse carrots thoroughly, rubbing off any dirt and debris. Trim off the carrot top. Chop carrots into small pieces (1/4 inch). It is not necessary to peel the carrots.

2. Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic.

3. Pour a few tablespoons olive oil into a large pot or pressure cooker and heat on medium.

4. While oil is heating, spread 1/4 cup of flour over a large dinner plate. Then, add beef, a few chunks at a time, and coat with flour.

5. Add the flour-coated beef to the pot and brown on all sides.

6. Remove beef from pot and set aside.

7. Sauté the carrots, onions, and garlic in the same oil (adding a bit more oil if needed so vegetables do not stick). 

8. When onions turn transparent, stir in crushed tomatoes.

9. Add browned meat back into the pan.

10. Raise heat to high and add wine, water, and bay leaf.

11. Bring to a boil, then lower heat. Simmer loosely covered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, adding water if needed. Add the rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

12. Once the meat is cooked, to thicken the broth, remove 1/2 cup of broth from the pot and place into a plastic cup with lid. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour. secure the deep brown, and shake until flour is absorbed and there are no lumps. Return mixture to warm stew, stirring until the broth thickens.

13. Serve with boiled or home-fried potatoes.

Pressure Cooker Variation

Follow the directions up to step 10 in the above recipe. Add the rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Lock on top and raise heat to high.

When pressure has built up, and it is "hissing," reduce the heat slightly. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes at a steady pressure. Remove from heat and release pressure. 

Following the manufacturer's instructions, carefully remove the lid after the pressure has been released.

Check the meat. It should be tender, but if further cooking is necessary, add water if needed and secure lid. Cook another 5 minutes after pressure has built up again.

Proceed with Step 12 to thicken the juices and finish the dish.