Maple & Vegemite Beef Stew

A taste of Canada and Australia in one little beef stew pot!

Beef stew with flavours of our both cultures • Photography © Bottle and Brush Studio 2021

I have always loved this simple slow-cooked dish that can be made in a cocotte (cast iron casserole) on the stovetop. I adapted this recipe to fit a medium or small casserole and that can just be doubled if you wish to make a big pot (extra leftovers are great for making pies!). What makes this one special is that the dish is flavoured with Maple Syrup (Québec’s favourite native sugar, of course!). Maple syrup is loved for its many virtues, unique taste, health benefits, and versatility. It is a great ingredient to flavour meat, from BBQ marinades to roasts and slow-cooked dishes. In my little Aussie kitchen, I made a little twist by adding a touch of Vegemite (an iconic thick and dark spread made with leftover brewer’s yeast). You either love or hate the spread, but as a flavouring, it has an interesting savoury character that marries beautifully with the sweetness of maple syrup. Like the Maple and Bacon Baked Beans recipe, the contrast of flavours works perfectly. If you don’t have Vegemite you can try this recipe with some Marmite (the British version) or just add a pinch of salt. Bon appétit!

RECIPE

INGREDIENTS (for a medium casserole pot of about 20 cm):

500g diced beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 carrot, diced

100 g small mushrooms, halved

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tbsp vegetable oil

2 tbsp flour

2 tbsp pure maple syrup

1 tsp Vegemite (optional)

1 cup beef stock

1 bay leaf

pinch of chilli spice

pinch of thyme

Pinch of pepper

Serving suggestions:

Lunch: In a small bowl with artisan bread toast

Dinner: Mashed potatoes and steamed leaves (spinach, kale or silverbeet)

Leftover: As a pie filling with homemade crust, yum!

PREPARATION: In a medium-small-sized dutch oven dish, brown the onion in oil and stir in the meat.

When all sides of the beef cubes are golden, add the carrots and garlic, and stir well.

Sprinkle flour, mix well and stir for 1-2 minutes.

Add stock, maple syrup, Vegemite and seasonings.

Cover and simmer on low heat for 2 hours until beef is tender.

Add mushrooms during the last hour of cooking.

#maple syrup #tourtieresmeatpies #mapleandbaconbakedbeans