Roaming Monkey

A simple but very tasty beef stew.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb Beef Stew Meat
• 1 lg White Onion, chopped (appox. 2 c)
• 3-4 stalks Celery, chopped (approx. 2 c)
• 5 med White Potatoes, chopped (approx. 2 c)
• 1 c Green Peas (fresh or frozen)
• 4 cloves Garlic, halved
• 3 med Bay Leaves
• 4 c Water
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Corn Starch (optional)

Beef Stew

Chop the onion and celery coarsely, sprinkle with salt, and sweat until translucent in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Once sweated, remove from the pan and set aside.

If it is not already, cut the beef into 1 inch cubes. Add salt and cracked black pepper and brown the cubes in the heavy-bottomed pot. Once the edges of the meat have browned and the juices begin to carmelize to the bottom of the pan, deglaze with 1 cup of water. After deglazing, add the rest of the water and stir in the onions and celery. Bring the pot to a low boil.

Once the pot has begun to simmer, chop the potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes and add. Also add the halved garlic cloves, peas, and bay leaves. Stir, cover, and allow to simmer.

Simmer for 75 to 90 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Add salt to taste, and thicken the broth with corn starch before serving, if desired.

Yields 6 - 8 one cup servings