Black Java Beef Stew
A rich and hearty beef stew infused with red wine, coffee, and thyme, perfect for cozy dinners and those who enjoy deep, robust flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy pan, brown the beef; remove it and cook the sliced onion in hot oil.
- Combine flour, salt, and pepper; toss the beef with this mixture and return it to the pan. Cook and stir until the flour is browned.
- Add the red wine, coffee, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Cover and simmer for 2 hours.
- Lift out the cooked beef and onions with a slotted spoon.
- Boil the sauce to thicken it.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary. Return the beef and onions to the sauce and heat through.
- Serve with sliced sautéed mushrooms if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef in the red wine overnight. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the boiling sauce. In place of red wine, a beef broth can be used for a milder taste. For a twist, try adding some chopped carrots or potatoes to the stew for additional heartiness.
Serving Suggestions
This beef stew pairs beautifully with sliced sautéed mushrooms and crusty bread for dipping. It also goes well with a side of Easy Rice Pilaf or a fresh green salad. For a comforting meal, serve it over mashed potatoes or alongside roasted vegetables to round out the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Black Java Beef Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of water or beef broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Java Beef Stew contains roughly 245 calories, with 8g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (209% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute lean cuts of pork or lamb for the beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of meat you choose. Always ensure the meat is tender before serving.
What can I use if I don't have strong coffee?
If you don't have strong coffee on hand, you can substitute with brewed espresso or a strong coffee alternative like chicory coffee. Alternatively, omit the coffee and add an extra splash of red wine for depth of flavor.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this stew in a slow cooker, brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).