Is there anything more cozy than a delicious, simple, hearty beef stew? Recently, my husband's grandmother fell and had to stay in the hospital overnight. She is 90, her husband is 90, and both have some health issues, though they still live mostly independently. The day she returned home, the family was gathering to welcome her and I was looking for something to do to show my love and support. So, I did what I like to do best: I cooked. I originally went to the store thinking "chicken and vegetables," but a sale on stew beef changed my mind. I picked up potatoes, carrots, and an onion to go with the beef, as well as cornbread mix for some muffins to accompany the stew. I made enough to feed as many as were there, with plenty leftover to stock the refrigerator for the coming weeks of recovery. We used to eat this a lot when I was growing up and it is a try classic, perfect for sharing with someone in recovery or for a cool, autumn evening. I chose to keep the broth simple and light on salt and pepper, hoping to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences. You can certainly jazz it up if you wish!
Ingredients: stew beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, salt, pepper, olive oil
Step 1: in a stock or other large pot, brown beef in a small amount of olive oil. I prefer mine cut into small, bite-sized pieces, but you can certainly use large chunks if preferred. Step 2: put chopped carrots, potatoes, and onions into pot with beef. Cover with water and add salt and pepper to taste. Step 3: bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer until potatoes and carrots are tender.
Side note: highly recommend Tenda-Bake corn meal mix. It is a local product and tastes delicious!
Beef Stew
Recipe:
2.5 lbs. stew beef, fat trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
4-5 large carrots, peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces
5-6 russet (or other med-large) potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
1 large onion
Salt
Pepper
Olive oil
In a stock or other large pot, brown beef in a small amount of olive oil. Put chopped carrots, potatoes, and onions into pot with beef. Cover with water and add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer until potatoes and carrots are tender.