Serves: 2
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 large piece of Halal beef shin on the bone (approximately 500-600g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks of celery, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 400ml Halal beef stock
- 200ml red wine (for a Halal version, substitute with a non-alcoholic red wine or additional beef stock with a splash of vinegar for acidity)
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef shin, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté until softened. Add the carrots and celery, cooking for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Deglaze: Pour in the red wine (or substitute) and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer: Return the beef shin to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, beef stock, thyme, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is falling off the bone tender.
- Final Hour: Add the potatoes in the last hour of cooking.
- Serve: Once the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot, ensuring each plate gets a generous portion of the meat, vegetables, and broth.
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: Approximately 600-700 kcal
- Protein: 50-60g
- Fat: 20-30g (Saturated: 6-9g, Unsaturated: 14-21g)
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g (Primarily from the vegetables and tomato base)
- Sodium: Moderate (Adjust according to taste and dietary needs)
- Cholesterol: 120-140 mg
This beef shin stew is a testament to the magic of slow cooking, transforming a tougher cut into a tender, flavourful masterpiece. It’s a dish that requires patience but rewards you with a richness and depth of flavour that can only be achieved through hours of gentle simmering.