Wendy’s Spicy Stew: A Hearty and Flavorful Delight

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat to the pot, and season with salt and pepper. Brown the meat on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the Peppers: Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers, and cook for another 3 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Incorporate the Spices: Add the tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables and let the spices cook for about 1 minute, releasing their aromas.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot, along with the diced tomatoes with green chilies. Pour in the beef broth, and give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Simmer the Stew: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.
7. Add Potatoes and Corn: After 45 minutes, add the diced potatoes and frozen corn to the pot. Stir everything together, cover, and let it simmer for another 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through.
8. Finish with Beans: Finally, stir in the drained kidney beans and let the stew cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat the beans through.
9. Serve: Once the stew is done, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the spicy stew into bowls, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Wendy’s Spicy Stew is a perfect blend of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, spicy broth. The combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper gives the stew a robust flavor profile, while the diced tomatoes with green chilies add a slight tang and additional heat. The kidney beans and corn provide texture and substance, making each spoonful a delightful mix of flavors and ingredients.