Traditional Braised Beef Stew

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Traditional Braised Beef Stew

What could be more satisfying than a big bowl of hearty stew? One Traditional Braised Beef Stew recipe makes a big batch so there is plenty for company or you can tuck some in the freezer for later.

Ingredients

2 tbsp (30 mL) olive or vegetable oil2 lb (1 kg) Stewing Beef Cubes¼ cup (50 mL) all-purpose flour2 garlic cloves, minced1 large onion, cut lengthwise into eighths1 cup (250 mL) beef stock28 oz (796 mL) can diced plum tomatoes2 tbsp (30 mL) Worcestershire sauce2 tbsp (30 mL) balsamic vinegar1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme (or 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme)1 bay leaf½ tsp (2 mL) EACH salt and pepper2 carrots, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks½ lb (250 g) scrubbed mini potatoes, quarteredChopped fresh parsley

Directions

Heat oil in Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat until sizzling hot. Brown meat in 4 batches. Set beef aside; sprinkle with flour.

Add garlic and onion to pot; cook 3 to 4 minutes until just softened, adding more oil if necessary. Stir in broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Add reserved beef, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, thyme, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.

Simmer covered, on stove-top or in 325°F (160°C) oven for 1 hour until beef is fork tender. Add vegetables; cook 30 to 40 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove and discard bay leaf. Garnish each serving with some chopped parsley.

Slow-cooker Version

After Step 2, transfer mixture with carrots and potatoes to 24-cup (6 L) slow-cooker. Cook, covered, on LOW for 8 hours.

Beef Stew Provençal Version

Add 8 oz (250 g) button mushrooms when cooking garlic and onions. Substitute dry red wine for stock. Use thyme (as above) or substitute herbes de Provençe for thyme. Instead of potatoes and carrots, use 2 cups (500 mL) cut green beans and 1/2 cup (125 mL) black olives (pitted and halved).