Beef Stew (AIP, Paleo, Low FODMAP, Whole 30)

Traditionally, as summer moves to fall, many people’s preferences move from grilling to braising and roasting. I confess that even though it was considered seasonally inappropriate, I kept braising and roasting throughout the summer. I blame it on my new favorite kitchen appliance, my Instant Pot (or as my mom refers to it, a “turbo crock-pot”). 

With the help of my Instant Pot  I’ve been making this beef stew since July when I originally went back to strict AIP & added a low FODMAP component. I didn’t know if it was possible to make palatable beef stew without high FODMAP ingredients like onions, shallots, garlic & mushrooms. Brainstorming different vegetable options & changing my mindset of what were “necessary” stew ingredients allowed me to create this really phenomenal stew. 

My preference these days is to make as many things in my Instant Pot ,  as possible, but since I realize that not everyone may have this particular appliance, I’ve written out stovetop approximations too. One of the other things I appreciate about this recipe is that it is comprised of primarily “staple” ingredients, or ingredients that I generally have on hand all the time. Carrots, and rutabaga are really hearty veggies that keep in the refrigerator for a good amount of time. Leek greens, if stored properly, can also last a while. I keep meat, broth, and bacon in the freezer at all times. And in a pinch, dried herbs can be substituted for fresh ones. 

The stew is really great on its own, but if you want to bulk it up further or serve it for a celebratory meal, I also like to serve it over mashed (white) sweet potatoes or squash. And I’ve often added a few spoonfuls of braised greens (I love this recipe from the Paleo Cajun Lady, & usually make it with chopped swiss chard & bacon & omitting the garlic to make it Low FODMAP) to the stew to up the vegetable content. Additionally, the leftovers freeze beautifully & there’s nothing quite like finding a jar of delicious beef stew in your freezer on a day when you’re not in the mood to cook.  

Note on FODMAPs: FODMAPs are confusing things... Certain resources will say that one item is “ok” and other resources will list that item as “avoid.” I am choosing to get my information about FODMAPs from Monash University & their app. Monash is continually updating their information & they are great about listing what quantity of food (both by volume & by weight) keeps it within the low FODMAP guidelines. As always, though, you know your body best. Just because one list says a food is fine, doesn’t always mean your body will be fine with it. Or on the flip side, just because one list says a food is on the avoid list, doesn’t mean your body is automatically going to be bothered by it. Do what makes your body & mind feel the best.

Low FODMAP Beef Stew (AIP, Paleo, Whole 30)

Yield’s 6 to 8 servings 

2 Tbl solid fat (I used duck fat, but bacon drippings or lard could be substituted as well) 

2 lbs Grassfed Beef Stew Meat 

4 strips Bacon, cut into small pieces 

2 heaping cups (approximately 140 g) chopped leek greens and/or scallion greens (I used a mix of the two) 

2 heaping cups (approximately 425 g) chopped carrots 

2 heaping cups (approximately 365 g) cubed rutabaga 

1.5 c bone broth

1.5 c red wine (I’ve used both merlot and cabernet sauvignon) 

2 dried bay leaves

1 Tbl salt

Few sprigs of fresh thyme & parsley, plus additional for serving 

Instant Pot Instructions: my preferred method of cooking 

1.  Add the fat to the insert of an Instant Pot . Turn the pot onto “Sauté” & allow the fat to melt. 
2. Dry the meat very well. Brown the beef on all sides, in batches, in the sautéing Instant Pot --it usually takes me three batches to brown 2 lbs of stew meat. Remove the browned beef & set aside. 
3. Sauté the bacon & leek/scallion greens in the Instant Pot until the bacon begins to crisp & the leeks/scallions begin to wilt. Stir occasionally. 
4. Add the carrots & rutabaga, broth, wine, and browned beef. Stir to combine. Tuck the bay leaf & herbs into the mixture. 
5. Place the top on the Instant Pot & make sure the vent is closed . Pressure cook using the manual setting for 50 minutes at high heat. Note: the entire process will take longer than 50 minutes because it does take time for the pot to come up to pressure. 
6. Once the machine has beeped, allow it to switch to the “keep warm” function or turn completely off for 15 minutes to let the pressure come down a bit. Use a silicone oven mitt or heavy kitchen towel to move the vent from the “sealing” position to the “venting” position. Allow all the steam to escape then it is safe to open the lid.
7. Serve the stew on its own, or along side a starchy vegetable. Adding extra cooked greens is also a great option. Sprinkle with some extra chopped herbs just before serving. 
8. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer. 

Stovetop Instructions 

1. In a large dutch oven, melt the fat over medium high heat. 
2. Dry the meat very well. Brown the beef on all sides, in batches if necessary. Remove the browned beef & set aside.
3. Sauté the bacon & leek/scallion greens until the bacon begins to crisp & the leeks/scallions begin to wilt. Stir occasionally.
4. Add the carrots & rutabaga, broth, wine, and browned beef. Stir to combine. Tuck the bay leaf & herbs into the mixture.
5. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover & allow to gently cook for 2-4 hours, or until the beef is tender. 
6. Serve the stew on its own, or along side a starchy vegetable. Adding extra cooked greens is also a great option. Sprinkle with some extra chopped herbs just before serving. 
7. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer.

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Two-Ingredient Instant Pot Coconut Milk Yogurt (AIP, Paleo, Low FODMAP)

Ah, the amazing Instant Pot  When my slow-cooker/crockpot broke, I switched to “Team Instant Pot" & have not looked back or second guessed my decision. Instead, I’ve wondered how I have survived so long on AIP without this indispensable appliance!

My latest obsession is Instant Pot oconut milk yogurt. My next two posts will utilize coconut yogurt in both a savory & sweet applications, so it only made sense to give coconut milk yogurt it’s own post :)

Homemade coconut milk yogurt is completely different than any other yogurt I’ve ever tasted. I use to occasionally splurge on commercially made coconut milk yogurt, but most brands have some not-so-great additives, and I didn’t really love the flavor or texture. My homemade version has just enough tang without being exceptionally sour & a slight coconut-y essence without being super sweet coconut. The yogurt separates very easily, making it is very easy just scoop off the thickened top portion, almost like sour cream. Or for more of a yogurt “sauce” consistency, vigorously shaking the jar works well.

I did not realize how much I was missing cultured dairy products, like sour cream, creme fraiche, and yogurt, until I began making this completely AIP coconut milk yogurt. I can see a whole world of applications, from sweet uses, to savory uses, to dressings & sauces and so much more!  The possibilities are endless.  

PS, if anyone else is looking for great Instant Pot recipes, check out this round up from Phoenix Helix.

Note on FODMAPs: FODMAPs are confusing things... Certain resources will say that one item is “ok” and other resources will list that item as “avoid.” I am choosing to get my information about FODMAPs from Monash University & their app. Monash is continually updating their information & they are great about listing what quantity of food (both by volume & by weight) keeps it within the low FODMAP guidelines. As always, though, you know your body best. Just because one list says a food is fine, doesn’t always mean your body will be fine with it. Or on the flip side, just because one list says a food is on the avoid list, doesn’t mean your body is automatically going to be bothered by it. Do what makes your body & mind feel the best.

Two-Ingredient Instant Pot Coconut Milk Yogurt (AIP, Paleo, Low FODMAP) 

Inspired by Flame to Fork and Foods for Long Life 

2 caps Xymogen Probiomax DF Probiotic (or other comparable multi-strain probiotic; this one has 100 billion CFUs)

1 33.8 fl oz carton AROY-D Coconut Cream

2 sterile quart-sized mason jars + sterile lids

1.  Empty one probiotic cap into each jar. Divide the AROY-D Coconut Cream evenly between the two quart-sized mason jars  Cap the jar with a sterile lids & shake well to combine. 
2. Place both jars into the stainless steel insert of an Instant Pot 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker. Seal the top. Set the vent to “sealing” 
3. Press the “yogurt” button & set the time to 12 hours. 
4. After 12 hours, remove the jars from the Instant Pot  Refrigerate, uncovered for at least 12 additional hours before consuming. Top with a lids & continue storing in the refrigerator. 

Notes: 

• The yogurt may separate unto more solid yogurt at the top & what looks like water at the bottom. I mix the two together, producing a more liquid-y yogurt. If you prefer, just take the top layer for a thicker product. 
• I have not tried this yogurt with any other brand of probiotics, but I believe other mulit strain protiotics should work. 
• I do not recommend using a soil-based probiotic like Prescript-Assist for this application. 
• I have not tried any other brand of coconut cream other than AROY-D Coconut Cream  nor have I substituted coconut milk instead of cream.  

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Marinated Flank Steak (AIP, Paleo, Low FODMAP)

While I have very limited photographic evidence of this marinated flank steak, I simply couldn’t let that small hiccup keep me from sharing this amazing recipe.

I’ve been making marinated steak for a couple years, helped in part by a childhood memory of my uncle’s recipe, though my recipe has undergone many changes to accommodate different dietary needs. This latest batch was meant to be a test for a future blog post. I had developed a habit of not measuring the marinade components, so each batch turned out a little different... But this time, I wrote down the ingredients & amounts in my recipe journal intending to make the recipe at least one more time before posting it. Fun fact: did you know that for most recipes I post on this site, I’ve tested them at least 2 to 3 times (sometimes as many as 5 times) before posting them? I just want to ensure that the results are consistent & that I can craft beautiful images.

Ok, back to steak.... After 7ish hours, the meat was all marinated & ready to be cooked. Unfortunately, the remaining daylight was disappearing quickly & I worked as fast as I could to get the steak finished + styled for a “just in case” photo. Husband and I both couldn’t stop sneaking little pieces of cooked steak off the cutting board as I styled the shot. We both realized that this marinade version was completely spot on! I quickly grabbed a photo of the steak in what remained of the daylight & we ate it with sautéed spinach & a little squash puree. Ohmygoodness, so tasty!

Immediately, I mentally added the recipe to the upcoming week’s meal plan, planning to do a more “proper” photo shoot. But when we headed to the city for a day of appointments, errands & grocery shopping, the stores we visited were out of flank steak! Bummer! But at least I grabbed those quick shots when I had a chance :)

Note on FODMAPs: FODMAPs are confusing things... Certain resources will say that one item is “ok” and other resources will list that item as “avoid.” I am choosing to get my information about FODMAPs from Monash University & their app. Monash is continually updating their information & they are great about listing what quantity of food (both by volume & by weight) keeps it within the low FODMAP guidelines. As always, though, you know your body best. Just because one list says a food is fine, doesn’t always mean your body will be fine with it. Or on the flip side, just because one list says a food is on the avoid list, doesn’t mean your body is automatically going to be bothered by it. Do what makes your body & mind feel the best.

Marinated Flank Steak (AIP, Paleo, Low FODMAP) 
yield’s 3ish servings, depending on appetite 

1/4 c Olive Oil
2 Tbl Garlic Oil (My favorite brand is from Trade Joe's)
2 Tbl Red Wine Vinegar
2 Tbl Coconut Aminos
1/2 tsp Pink Sea Salt
2 tsp chopped fresh Rosemary
1.25 lb Flank Steak (grassfed, if possible)

Additional rosemary & Maldon Smoked Sea Saltfor serving

1. In a large ziplock bag, combine the olive oil, garlic oil, vinegar, aminos, pink salt & rosemary. Add the flank steak & seal. Squish everything around until the steak is well coated.
2. Marinate in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hrs. Turn the bag over half-way through the marinating time, if you can (optional). 
3. Remove the bag from the refrigerator & allow the steak to sit at room temp, in the marinade, for an additional 30 to 40 minutes.  
4. Preheat a large cast iron skillet  lightly greased, over medium high heat. Pan fry the steak for 2 minutes per side for medium-rare. 
5. Remove from the pan & allow to rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes. Slice across the grain into thin slices. Garnish with additional rosemary & Maldon Smoked Sea Salt. 

Note: 

• You can marinate the steak in a large glass dish if you prefer not to use plastic. 
• If you’re not following low-FODMAP, the garlic oil can be replaced with 1-2 smashed garlic cloves.  
• The marinade can be boiled & used as a sauce, if desired. 

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