Bulking out braising steak

[FusionChefGeoff]

Got some cheap cubed braising steak but still pretty pricey if I do my usual beef stifafo recipe.

Would lentils work to bulk it out or would it be a bit of a weird combo?

Mix of carrots / celery / suede?? / potatoes perhaps?

Any other recipes / ideas?

[InDubiousBattle]

If it's stifado I would add lots of shallots and tomatoes. Lots of crusty bread or crispy potatoes. Cannellini beans might be nice too?

[FusionChefGeoff]

Yes cannelini beans are a good shout.

Doesn't have to be stifafo - happy with a more traditional casserole just need it to go a long way!

[MsHomeSlice]

mushrooms?

don't cut them too small, or put them in too early otherwise they vanish.

[RaindropsAndSparkles]

How much have you got and how many people

[WorkingBling]

When trying to make stews go further I tend to add some chopped.tomatoe and also some beans or chickpeas and plenty of root veg like carrots and potatoes. Also ensure the base is substantial - onions, leeks, celery etc

[Crispbutty]

I make stew with steak, onions, carrots, swede, celery. And you could add potatoes too.

[FusionChefGeoff]

No fixed number to feed but I've got 1kg of steak and like to batch a load for the freezer and for a friend.

All good ideas so I'm going to do them all!

• chopped up base celery, onions and small carrots
• chunks of suede, potatoes and parsnips
• mushrooms towards the end
• tinned Toms
• cannelini beans

Maybe beef stock, thyme, bit of bacon too, bit of Guiness, yummy!

[RaindropsAndSparkles]

Lots of gravy and top with dumplings.

[YoucancallmeVal]

Barley rather than lentils maybe, if you wanted 'bulk' rather than 'ingredient'.

[kateandme]

don't orget the garlic!
barley or buckwheat work great
sweet potatos and potato
gravy granules for great flavour and thickener.
thyme.
perhaps a touch of smoked paprika
dash of wine or vinegar.
tom paste

[4merlyknownasSHD]

Celeriac?

[FawnDrench]

Grated courgette gives bulk with very little taste.

[BertrandRussell]

I would probably cook it as it is, then freeze in smaller portions and add a tin of canillini beans when I reheated it.

[ShortandAnnoying]

Mix of carrots / celery / suede?? / potatoes perhaps
Suede might be a bit chewy
Butterbeans are very Greek so I'd go for those if you like beans.

[InDubiousBattle]

Dumplings are a good way to make a stew very filling but has anyone ever frozen them? Do they freeze ok?