French Country Beef Stew

French Country Beef Stew

In France, this classic stew made with beef, vegetables and red wine would be known as a daube. Slow-cooking the surprisingly lean beef shanks melts and softens the connective tissue, producing succulent results. If you prefer, use nonalcoholic wine. Serve with barley to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients

3 1/2-3 3/4 pounds sliced beef shank (see Note), trimmed
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 slices turkey bacon, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion (2 medium)
1 1/2 cups diced carrots (2 medium)
1/2 cup diced celery (1 stalk)
3 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
2 cups dry red wine, such as Merlot or Zinfandel
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried
2 bay leaves
2 2 1/2-inch-long strips orange zest
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped watercress or parsley

Preparation

Heat oil in a 4- to 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add onions, carrots and celery; cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add broth, wine, thyme, bay leaves and orange zest. Bring to a boil.

Rinse beef with cool water to remove any bone bits. Place the beef in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker and turn heat to high. Carefully pour the hot vegetable mixture over the beef. Put the lid on and cook until the beef is falling-apart tender when prodded with a fork, 6 to 7 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beef to a bowl. Lift out the bones. Scoop marrow out and add to the meat, if desired; discard bones. Break the meat into 2- to 3-inch chunks with a spoon. Cover and keep warm.

Discard the bay leaves and orange zest from the sauce; skim fat. Pour the sauce into a large skillet.
Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil, skimming froth from time to time, for about 20 minutes, to intensify flavors and thicken slightly. Season with pepper.
Add the beef and heat through.

To serve, ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle with watercress (or parsley).

Baked Beef Stew variation: Total: 4 1/4 hours Preheat oven to 350°F. In Step 1, use only 1 1/2 cups broth and 1 1/2 cups red wine.
In Step 2, place beef and vegetables in a Dutch oven, cover and bake for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Skim fat.
Discard the bay leaves and orange zest. Lift out the bones, scoop marrow and add, if desired; discard the bones.
Break the meat into chunks. Blend 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1/4 cup water; stir into the stew. Return the pan to the oven and bake, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes.

Note: If you cannot find beef shank, substitute cubed stewing beef.