Tuscan Beef Stew with Polenta & Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico Riserva

By: The Food Hunter

It's September in Arizona, temperatures are in the 100's and there's no break in sight but I am craving stew. Not any old stew either. I want a stew that will instantly transport me back to our time in Tuscany with one bite. I found just the stew on epicurious.com.

This stew is hearty, delicious and exactly like the stews we ate in Italy. It's suggested that you multiply the recipe by 1.5 and I couldn't agree more. Leftovers, if there are any, will make a great weekday lunch. 

Wine Recommendation:
Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico Riserva is unmistakably Tuscan in origin. This is the epitome of modern Chianti with its dark color, pure fruit, balance, power and velvety tannins. The dominant flavors include violets, plums, cherries, orange peel, earth, licorice, cedar and smoke. Its richness, brightness and complexity are just the perfect combination to pair with this classic regional dish for the most authentic Tuscan food and wine experience.

Tuscan Beef Stew with Polenta
serves 4

For the stew
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 red onion, cut into medium dice
3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 pounds stew beef, such as boneless chuck, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 1/2 cups dry red wine
8 sprigs fresh thyme
3 medium tomatoes, halved
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In heavy, large saucepan over moderately high heat, heat oil until hot but not smoking. Add onion, carrot, and celery and sauté, stirring occasionally, until light golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add beef and sauté, stirring occasionally, until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add wine and thyme, stir well, and bring to boil. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper, then lower heat to moderately low, cover, and simmer, stirring every 15 minutes, until beef is tender, about 2 hours.
While beef is simmering, make polenta

For the polenta
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups vegetable stock or broth
1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)

Pour olive oil into large serving bowl and swirl to coat. Set aside.
In heavy, large pot over moderately high heat, bring stock to boil. Lower heat to moderate and slowly add polenta, stirring constantly. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until polenta thickens and pulls away from sides of pan, about 10 minutes. Transfer to oil-coated serving bowl and keep warm.

To Serve
When beef is tender, use tongs to remove tomato skins (if desired) and thyme sprigs. Transfer stew to large serving bowl. Serve polenta alongside.