Beef Stew Recipe

Beef Stew Recipe

**Ingredients:**

– 1.5 lbs (680g) beef stew meat, cut into chunks
– 4 carrots, peeled and cut into large pieces
– 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
– 1 large onion, cut into quarters
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. **Brown the Beef:**
– Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
– Add the beef chunks and brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.

2. **Cook the Aromatics:**
– In the same pot, add the onions and cook until they start to soften, about 3 minutes.
– Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. **Add Flour (Optional):**
– If you prefer a thicker stew, sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.

4. **Combine Ingredients:**
– Add the beef back into the pot, followed by the carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
– Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

5. **Simmer:**
– Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is