Blue Monday comfort food: Slow-Braised Beef & Root Vegetable Stew

January 19th is known as Blue Monday supposedly the most depressing day of the year. Cook through it!

The fix? Comfort food done right. Slow-cooked meals, warm dishes, and proper prep with a sharp knife that doesn’t fight back.

Good tools don’t solve everything but they make the day a lot better.

Ingredients

1. 1.5 kg beef chuck or shoulder

2. Onions

3. Carrots

4. Potatoes

5. Garlic

6. Beef stock

7. Thyme / bay leaf

8. Salt & black pepper

The Prep — Where the Knife Matters

1. Portion the Beef (Heavy Meat Knife / Cleaver)

Large cuts of beef need weight and control. A heavy meat knife lets you cut through dense muscle cleanly without tearing the fibers. One decisive cut is better than many small ones.

2. Clean, Even Vegetables (Chef Knife)

Onions, carrots, and potatoes should be cut evenly so they cook at the same pace. A sharp Chef Knife gives you speed and precision without fighting the board.

Cooking Method

1. Season the beef generously

2. Sear hard in a heavy pot until browned

3. Remove beef, sauté onions and garlic

4. Return beef, add vegetables and herbs

5. Cover with stock

6. Simmer low for 2.5–3 hours

7. Rest 10 minutes before serving

Why This Works on Blue Monday

1. Slow cooking forces you to slow down

2. Warm, rich food lifts the mood

3. Clean prep makes the process enjoyable

Comfort doesn’t come from shortcuts — it comes from doing things properly.