Do you need tomato paste for beef stew? We recommend using tomato paste for this recipe. Tomato paste adds crucial flavor and body to the stew meat when cooked with herbs, garlic and wine.
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How To Upgrade Your Beef Stew With Tomato Paste
Like Laurence, I start by browning the meat in oil in a large pot or Dutch oven, then remove the meat from the pan and brown the aromatics like onions and garlic. I add a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste, which I cook for a few minutes before deglazing the pan with wine and proceeding with the recipe.
The key to using tomato paste in beef stew and other braises is to cook it briefly, rather than just globbing it into the liquid.
“Because the tomatoes in tomato paste have already been cooked, you don’t have to cook it, but toasting it with other aromatic ingredients (onions, garlic, dried herbs, and spices) does enhance the flavor even more and can bring out more toasted and sweeter notes,” Laurence explains.
Why You Should Use Tomato Paste in Your Beef Stew
While Id used tomato paste to deepen the flavor of pasta sauces and chilis, I owe the idea of adding tomato paste to beef stew to this fabulous classic beef stew recipe by Meredith Laurence of Blue Jean Chef.
I contacted Laurence to get the lowdown on why she adds tomato paste to her beef stew. “I include tomato paste in many braised recipes because it adds a depth of flavor without increasing the liquid quantity in the dish,” Laurence explains. “Tomato paste is concentrated tomatoes and as a result has a concentrated flavor even in small amounts.”
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Huge Mistakes Everyone Makes When Cooking Beef Stew
FAQ
Can you skip tomato paste in beef stew?
Do you need tomato paste for stew?
What happens if you don’t use tomato paste?
Can I omit tomatoes from my beef stew?
Technically, no. Tomato based products can be omitted from your beef stew recipe. Just keep in mind that tomatoes add an acidic flavor to the dish. Like this recipe? We’d love it if you would leave a 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest! Place a large stockpot over medium heat, and add the oil.
Do you saute tomato paste before adding to beef stew?
Yes, we saute the tomato paste. Sautéing tomato paste before adding it to beef stew enhances the stew’s flavor through caramelization and concentration of the tomato paste’s natural sugars and flavors. Now we’re ready to deglaze the pot.
How do I make a good beef stew?
Tomato Paste – Make sure you have paste rather than sauce or crushed. Tomato paste is very thick and has a strong tomato flavor. It helps the stew develop a richer and deeper flavor and adds body to it. Beef Broth – I always prefer a low sodium broth but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Can you use tomato sauce instead of tomato sauce in stew?
You can always use red wine to deglaze the pot after the meat has seared. Doing so, will add a ton of flavor. Two tablespoons of tomato paste can be substituted in place of the tomato sauce. Just be sure to add a little extra beef broth. How do you stop tomato taste in stew? Easy, don’t use tomato paste or tomato sauce.