Homemade stew, mashed potatoes and asparagus beans

Here’s a hearty and comforting meal idea for homemade stew with mashed potatoes and asparagus beans (aka yardlong beans or Chinese long beans)—a well-balanced plate full of classic flavors and nourishing ingredients:

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🥘 Homemade Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) stewing beef (chuck or brisket), cut into cubes

• 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for coating)

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup red wine or water

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons oil (for browning)

Instructions:

1. Optional: Toss beef cubes in flour, salt, and pepper.

2. Brown the beef in batches in a large pot with oil. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté onion, garlic, celery, and carrots in the same pot for 5 minutes.

4. Add tomato paste, stir for a minute, then return beef to the pot.

5. Pour in broth and wine, add thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.

6. Simmer covered for 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning.

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🥔 Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and chopped

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1/2 cup milk or cream (warm)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (15–20 min).

2. Drain and mash with butter, then add milk gradually until creamy.

3. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

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🌿 Sautéed Asparagus Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus beans (or green beans), trimmed and cut into 2–3 inch pieces

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: a splash of soy sauce or lemon juice for flavor

Instructions:

1. Blanch beans in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then drain.

2. Sauté garlic in oil for 30 seconds, then add beans.

3. Cook for 3–5 minutes until crisp-tender. Season to taste.

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🍽️ Serving Tip:

Plate the mashed potatoes, spoon beef stew generously over the top, and serve asparagus beans on the side for a satisfying, well-rounded dinner.

Would you like a vegetarian version of the stew or suggestions for make-ahead prep?