Dixie Stew
Dixie Stew is a hearty, flavorful beef stew infused with grapefruit juice, garlic, and spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings that enjoy a zesty twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup grapefruit juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1.5 pounds beef, cut in 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped tomato ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon rosemary ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons salad oil ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 onion, sliced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf, crumbled ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cayenne ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine grapefruit juice, salt, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Add beef cubes to the marinade and refrigerate overnight.
- Drain beef, reserving the marinade.
- Heat salad oil in a skillet and brown the beef on all sides.
- Add chopped green pepper and sliced onion, and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add chopped tomato to the skillet.
- In a separate bowl, mix the reserved marinade with brown sugar, red wine vinegar, rosemary, cayenne pepper, and crumbled bay leaf.
- Add the beef and vegetables back to the skillet and pour the marinade mixture over them.
- Cover and simmer for 45 to 55 minutes or until the beef is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For an enhanced flavor, consider marinating the beef for longer than overnight. If grapefruit juice is too bitter for your taste, orange juice can be a suitable substitute. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the umami flavor. For a twist, try incorporating some vegetables like carrots or potatoes, which can make this stew heartier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dixie Stew with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. A fresh green salad can provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the stew. For an added kick, consider pairing it with a spicy coleslaw. This dish pairs beautifully with various beef recipes, highlighting its versatility.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dixie Stew contains roughly 1538 calories, with 7g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value) and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1679mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
* % 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 beef with other meats like pork or venison. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the meat's tenderness. If using pork, ensure it is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the marinade mixture and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
To control the spice level, you can reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a more subtle heat.
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).