This is what I've done. Tell me what to do. Lol.

[Deleted]

I'm having cooking innovation regret.

I sort of tossed a whole bunch of shit into the crock pot for beef stew, and now I'm scared.

Probably 2/3 cup chicken broth, a beef flavor packet thingie, a generous pour of red wine, oregano, cumin, rosemary, salt, pepper

Then I tossed in 2 lbs browned stew meat, a small diced onion, some garlic,
a diced potato and 1 lb baby carrots, 1 can tomato paste. Oh, and a strip of bacon.

I'm out of cornstarch so I'm afraid to add water, but it probably needs some, right? The can of tomato paste was from another stew recipe and I forgot it had you adding like three cups of water to it. :/

[Deleted]

more wine. duh.

[eddy]

can you do a flour milk mixture to thicken stuff up?

[lolo]

You can monitor it over time to see if it needs more liquid.

[wambam]

Why would you add more water? You already added 2/3 cup broth and wine AND the meat itself has juices.

[sonrisa]

That sounds good but it might be super salty. Are you serving it with something that might offset the salt?

ETA: Now I'm remembering that you love salt. I'm sure it will be great :-)

[Deleted]

I'm just afraid the tomato paste will be overpowering. You guys are making me feel better though! Right now it doesn't look too watery or too dry.

[Deleted]

Oct 30, 2013 15:24:40 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

That sounds good but it might be super salty. Are you serving it with something that might offset the salt?

ETA: Now I'm remembering that you love salt. I'm sure it will be great :-)

I'm a little worried about this too. I like salty but get sooooo grossed out when something is too salty for me.

[youbetcha]

I would watch it and see if it looks like it's getting dry.

Is the cumin, oregano and rosemary a combo you've used before? I'm intrigued by how those three taste together.

[Deleted]

Oct 30, 2013 15:26:50 GMT -5 killercupcake said:

A liiiiittle flour will thicken it up. Like, a quarter cup, MAYBE. Next time, lightly coat the beef with flour before browning it and it'll thicken it up as it cooks.

Oh I did that! Yay!

I'm totes hopeless without recipes guys. Lol

And boobs, I always ALWAYS fail at tasting and correctly adjusting things. I would make a terrible chef.

[Deleted]

Oct 30, 2013 15:29:05 GMT -5 youbetcha said:

I would watch it and see if it looks like it's getting dry.

Is the cumin, oregano and rosemary a combo you've used before? I'm intrigued by how those three taste together.

I usually throw some cumin (like 1/4 tsp) into anything with Italian flavors. It adds a nice undertone.

[Deleted]

In my crockpot stew, I always use 2 tablespoons of flour, not cornstarch. Also, add the tomato paste. Just do it!

[snipsnsnails]

I would only add water to cut the salt. That bad boy is going to be salty!

[youbetcha]

Oct 30, 2013 15:31:04 GMT -5 @stellasmom said:

Oct 30, 2013 15:29:05 GMT -5 youbetcha said:

I would watch it and see if it looks like it's getting dry.

Is the cumin, oregano and rosemary a combo you've used before? I'm intrigued by how those three taste together.

I usually throw some cumin (like 1/4 tsp) into anything with Italian flavors. It adds a nice undertone.

Interesting! My h told me last night that he doesn't really care for the crockpot roast I've made the last few times, so I will have to give yours a try, unless you come back tonight and say it sucks.

[Deleted]

Ok. I tasted it and besides being a little too thick and a little too salty it's kind of awesome! Not too tomato-ey. I added a cup of water.

[AHappierHour]

I always add a bit of sugar or honey when I do tomato based sauces or stews. It helps mellow out the acid flavor from the tomato.

[Deleted]

OMG it was good! Like really good!

Non salt people would probably have been happier with no added salt at all but i was quite pleased. I think ok going to add peas next time too.

Yay for experiments!