A hearty and flavorful mushroom stew perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the dish.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it bitter.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir well to combine.
This step helps to thicken the stew later.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
Cooking the mushrooms thoroughly enhances their flavor.
Stir in the tomato paste and red wine, bringing the mixture to a boil.
Allowing the wine to boil helps to cook off the alcohol, leaving a rich flavor.
Pour in the water and add the thyme, then reduce the heat and let the stew simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
Simmering uncovered allows the liquid to reduce and the flavors to concentrate.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Always taste before serving to ensure the seasoning is balanced.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with additional thyme if desired.
Pair with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete meal.