Tender beef and sweet plums come together in this hearty stew inspired by The Hunger Games.

4 stars
3.62 (10)

This beef and plum stew is a delicious and satisfying meal that will transport you to the world of The Hunger Games. The combination of tender beef, flavorful plums, and savory spices creates a dish that is both comforting and full of flavor. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this stew is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 6 plums, pitted and sliced
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Directions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef stew meat over medium-high heat. Remove from the pot and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the browned beef back to the pot, along with the diced tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
  6. Add the sliced plums to the stew and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
  7. If desired, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir into the stew to thicken the sauce.
  8. Serve the beef and plum stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Interesting Facts

  • Plums add a unique sweetness to this savory stew, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.
  • The addition of red wine and balsamic vinegar helps to deepen the flavor profile of the dish.
  • This stew is perfect for a cozy night in or a themed dinner party inspired by The Hunger Games.