A Delicious Beef and Olives Recipe: Savory and Simple
This recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful beef and olive dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's surprisingly simple to make, yet boasts a depth of flavor that will impress your family and friends. We'll focus on optimizing this recipe for search engines while maintaining delicious, readable content.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Beef and Olives
Before we dive into the cooking process, let's gather our essential ingredients. High-quality ingredients will make all the difference in the taste of your final dish.
- Beef: 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also use sirloin tip or chuck roast. Look for well-marbled beef for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Olives: 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped. Kalamata olives offer a briny, slightly sweet flavor that complements the beef beautifully. You can experiment with other olives, such as Castelvetrano or green olives, but Kalamata is a classic choice.
- Onion: 1 large onion, chopped. This forms the base of the flavor profile.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Broth: 1 cup beef broth. Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste. This adds richness and depth of color.
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Adjust seasoning to your preference. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
This recipe is designed for ease and simplicity. Follow these steps for a delicious result:
-
Sear the Beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until nicely browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor. Remove the seared beef from the pot and set aside.
-
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't let the garlic brown.
-
Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to prevent burning.
-
Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, chopped olives, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5 - 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef will become.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips and Variations for your Beef and Olives Recipe
- Wine: Add a splash of red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot) along with the broth for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegetables: Include other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery for a heartier meal. Add them during the last hour of simmering.
- Slow Cooker: This recipe is easily adaptable to a slow cooker. Brown the beef as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
SEO Optimization and Keyword Strategy
This article is optimized for keywords such as "beef and olives recipe," "beef stew with olives," "Kalamata olive beef recipe," and variations thereof. The use of headings (H2, H3), bold text, and a clear, structured format all contribute to improved search engine optimization. Remember to share this recipe on social media and other platforms to boost its visibility and reach a wider audience. This off-page SEO activity is crucial for driving traffic and establishing your recipe as a go-to resource.
