My Beef Stew Is to Thin

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You're preparing a hearty pot of beef stew. Information technology's got skillful season, but it'due south still kind of runny even after a long simmer-sesh. Naturally, you lot want your stew to be thicker than a regular old bowl of soup—that'due south 1 of the main differences betwixt the two dishes, later all. So how do y'all go the glossy, rich results you desire? Hither'southward how to thicken stew (it's piece of cake, promise).

How to Thicken Stew in iii Easy Ways

Earlier you decide on a thickening method, take stock (heh) of the type of stew you're cooking. Is it meat-based (similar craven or beef)? Is it hateful to be more saucy, or chunky? And are there any dietary restrictions? Next, you can selection your thickening agent.

How to Thicken Stew With Flour

Flour is a traditional thickener for stew, and it can be added in a few different means. Y'all'll desire to use about 1½ teaspoons of flour per cup of liquid added to the stew.

• If the stew is meat-based, you can add together the flour when you sear the meat (aka before adding any liquid). This will not only cook off the raw-flour gustatory modality and lend body to the stew; it as well helps the meat develop a tasty golden crust. Dredge the meat in enough flour to glaze it before searing in the pot you lot're making your stew in.

• Make a roux past combining equal parts flour and butter. Cook the butter in the pot over medium heat, and then whisk in the flour and cook until it's golden brown and smells nutty. The liquid for your stew can then be added and whisked to combine.

• If you're non searing the meat first, you can add the flour in a slurry: Mix equal parts cold water and flour, stirring until it's thoroughly combined with no clumps. So, slowly cascade the flour slurry into the simmering stew, stirring to forbid lumps. The stew should and then be brought to a boil to melt the flour and actuate the starch.

• Make a beurre manié, which is French for "kneaded butter." It's a mixture of equal parts soft butter and flour, like to a roux but it gets added subsequently the liquid (and is less probable to clump). But mix equal parts butter and flour in a pocket-size bowl until it's the texture of playdough, so add to the stew in small additions until it's thickened to your liking.

How to Thicken Stew With Cornstarch

Cornstarch will thicken stew similar to flour, but has the added do good of being flavorless and won't deject the liquid equally much. It's also gluten-free but has to be added carefully to avoided gloppy lumps. 1 tablespoon cornstarch per loving cup of liquid will give you a medium-thick stew that's not overly viscous.

• Make a slurry by combining equal parts cold water and cornstarch in a pocket-sized bowl, and whisking thoroughly to combine. Pour the slurry into the stew while it's simmering, whisky constantly while bringing information technology to a total boil. Boil the stew for at least a minute, to ensure the cornstarch is activated (otherwise, it won't thicken properly).

How to Thicken Stew With Arrowroot

Arrowroot is nearly identical to cornstarch, simply it's smoother and even clearer. It's also gluten-costless, but shouldn't be used in stews containing a lot of dairy (or it might become slimy). Similar cornstarch, use almost 1 tablespoon per loving cup of liquid added to the stew.

• Make a slurry by combining equal parts cold water and arrowroot in a small basin, and whisking thoroughly to combine. Pour the slurry into the stew while it'southward simmering, whisky constantly while bringing it to a full boil. Boil the stew for at least a minute, to ensure the arrowroot is activated (otherwise, it won't thicken properly).

How do you thicken stew in a slow cooker?

No thing what thickener you cull for your stew, they all require high estrus to actually practice their job. Just what if yous're making stew in a tedious cooker, where you have less control over the temperature (and information technology's not super-hot to begin with)? Here's how to thicken stew in a slow cooker.

1. Prop the lid: Since the lid of the slow cooker traps evaporating liquid, the moisture content remains the aforementioned. Only if y'all prop the lid slightly with a wooden spoon or chopstick, some of the liquid has a run a risk to dissipate, which volition thicken the stew slightly.
2. Puree the soup slightly: If y'all're making a vegetable stew, you can use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree some of the mixture. This will thicken the stew slightly without adding any additional ingredients.
3. Use less liquid: If y'all know you want the final dish to exist on the thicker side, you can slightly reduce the amount of liquid from the beginning. (And if information technology looks as well thick, you can e'er add more liquid equally needed.)

RELATED: How to Thicken Sauce in vii Delicious Ways

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Source: https://www.purewow.com/food/how-to-thicken-stew

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