As winter draws closer, the baby food experts at Piccolo have shared this warming, hearty and nutritious Winter Beef Stew for our recipe of the month.
The nights are now longer and days are colder, so when it comes to meal prep we’re all about those hearty winter warmers. And you can’t get much more comforting than a winter beef stew. Not only is it a satisfying meal as you settle into a cosy evening in, it’s also super easy to make in a large pot or slow cooker.
Plus, with a little one in-tow we know you’ve already got enough on your plate without having to think about 3241 different meals for the family. With this recipe you can feed the whole family, including baby, and freeze extras for another day. From weaning babies and toddlers to busy mum and dad, this recipe has everyone taken care of.
Baby-Friendly Winter Beef Stew Recipe
Makes: 10 baby portions
Suitable for: Pureed from 6 months
Prep: 20 minutes
Cooking: 1-5 hours
Suitable for freezing
400g braising steak, cut into rough chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, peeled and sliced
1 tbsp plain flour
½ tsp paprika
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
600ml boiling water
1 Piccolo beef stock cubes
2 tbsp tomato puree
1 bay leaf
2 medium carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
150g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
3 dried prunes, pitted, and chopped
Preheat the oven to 180C/ Gas mark 4 or preheat your slow cooker on auto.
Pat the beef dry with kitchen paper, and dust with the flour. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large, non-stick frying pan and fry the beef in two batches until browned on all sides. Transfer to a large lidded casserole dish or to the slow cooker.
In the dish you cooked the meat in, add a splash of boiling water and get all the bits from the pan loosened and pour these in with the meat.
Re-heat that pan on medium and add the other 1 tbsp oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and fry over a medium–high heat for 4–5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Add the chopped mushrooms and fry with the onions for a couple of minutes.
Add the dried herbs, paprika and crumbled stock cube and pour over the boiling water, tomato puree, carrots, bay leaf and chopped prunes. Stir well and if using the casserole dish, bring to a simmer on the hob. Cover with a lid and bake in the oven for 1½ hours or until the beef is tender. Or cook on auto in your slow cooker for 4-5 hours.
Once cooked, remove portions for your baby to puree to the desired texture, and add any additional seasoning to the remaining stew for the rest of the family.
Piccolo Organic makes healthy (and very tasty) baby meals, cooking products and snacks to help you get the balance right every day. The brand is partnered with City Harvest and Little Village, and gives 10% of its profits to charity. Available in all major retailers and its online store. www.mylittlepiccolo.com
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