Beef Stew

I start by saying this is not a healthy food – this is a tasty food, so keep that in mind as we go along this recipe.

Ingredients: 3 cups chuck beef stew meat, cut into 2 cm chunks 3 cups potatoes, peeled and cut in 4 cm cubes 400 ml red wine 400 ml beer (Guinness extra stout for extra flavor) 1&1/2 cups carrots (and/or parsnip) – peeled and cut into stripes or cubes 1 large onion, chopped water 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tbsp tomato paste 2 tbsp butter Seasoning: 3 tsp salt (or to taste) 1 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 bay leaves 1/2 tbsp freshly ground pepper (any type)

Quick Guide:   Fry the meat in butter, in batches Add in the garlic and sauté Add in the wine, beer, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste and bay leaves, stir and  let simmer for 20-40 min Sauté onions and carrots in separate pan Add in onion and carrots to main pan Add in the potatoes to the main pan Cook for 40 min to 1 hour covered

Detailed Guide
1.  Prepare the ingredients
Season the meat with some salt, then leave for 5 minutes.
Pat the meat dry on all sides with a paper towel, then cut it into cubes to prepare for browning.
Prepare the carrots and potatoes – peeled and cut into cubes (larger cubes for the potatoes) – note carrots can be prepared in small stripes (joulienne) as well.

Leave potatoes in water until required.

2.  Brown the meat
Heat the butter into a larger then brown the beef in batches. Do not crowd the pan, leave plenty of room to move as we want the meat browned on all sides, not steamed. Use tongs to brown on all sides.

3. Add the garlic, then the liquids
Add garlic and sauté for a couple of seconds. Add back the prior batches of browned meat, then add the liquids and spices – beer, red wine, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves.
Stir to combine and then let the mix simmer for about 20 to 40 min.

4. Sauté onions and carrots
In a separate pan, sauté the onions and carrots in olive oil until the onions are golden – between 5 to 15 min – do not burn.
Set aside until main pot has simmered for the required time mentioned.

5. Add vegetables to main dish
Add in the carrots, onions and potatoes to the beef stew. Add pepper and salt to taste. Simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes start to cook.
Remove the lid of the pan and let simmer uncovered for another 20 minutes, or until it reaches desired consistency.
Sprinkle with parsley to serve.