Beef Stew with Peppers and Ale

Name: Beef Stew with Peppers and Ale
Yield: SERVES 6 TO 8
Ingredients: 1 dried ancho chile (or other sweet dried chile); 2 dried arbol chiles (or other small hot dried chile); 3/4 cup boiling water; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 3/4-inch cubes; 1/2 cup diced pancetta or bacon; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (or bacon fat), more as needed; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 2 medium red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and diced; 1 tablespoon molasses; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 (20-ounce) bottle amber ale or stout (or two 12-ounce bottles); 1 cup beef or chicken stock (or low-sodium broth); 1 1/2 cups cooked kidney beans (or other sturdy bean); 1 cup peeled, seeded, diced tomatoes (from whole canned tomatoes if not in season); 4 sprigs thyme; 1 large sprig parsley; 1 bay leaf

December 22, 2011

This is sort of a cross between chili and beef stew, with delicious wintry results. It has all the flavors of chili—cumin, dried chiles, tomatoes, and beans— but features stew meat instead of ground beef for a more interesting texture. Be sure to give the stew the full two hours of simmering; it’s essential to making the beef super tender. You can make this up to two days ahead and reheat gently on the stove top. It also freezes well; consider stashing leftovers in the freezer for a last-minute dinner or a snowy weekend.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.