Mom's Savoury Beef Stew

Jen Clary's Note:

Just the right dish for a cold day. This stew is very easy to make, but needs 4-5 hours cooking time. All of the measurements for the seasoning are approximate, and should be seasoned to taste. Only 400 calories and one serving is very filling. For a beefier flavour, try adding 2 little packets of beef oxo, and omitting 1/2 tsp salt. This stew freezes very well; when heating it after it has been frozen, add a little water and it will bring it right back to life.

• Total Time: 4 hrs
• Prep Time: 1 hrs
• Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 ½ lbs stewing beef
• 1 ½ liters tomato juice
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 large russet potatoes , peeled, diced
• 3 celery ribs , diced
• 2 carrots , peeled, diced
• 1 onion , diced
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (approximately)
• 2 ½ cups water

Directions:

1. Dice the beef into small 3/4 - 1 inch cubes.
2. Dredge the beef in flour, discard remaining flour.
3. In a frying pan over medium-low heat, cook beef in hot olive oil just until browned on the outside. Take care not to over cook.
4. Transfer beef to a medium stock pot.
5. Add enough tomato juice to cover beef well(approximately 3/4 of a 1 1/2 litre can).
6. Add diced onions, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic, and beef oxo if you're using it.
7. Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 hours.
8. Add potatoes, celery, carrots (sliced thin or they won't cook at the same pace as the other vegetables), water, and remaining tomato juice, stir.
9. Boil on medium heat, stirring frequently (to prevent bottom from burning), for about 30-40 minutes or until vegetables are soft and tender.
10. Taste the broth at this time to make sure it is the right flavour to you, if it seems over all bland then add a little more salt, pepper and garlic.
11. Remove 2-3 cups of liquid from the stew, making sure to not collect any vegetables, place in a 4 cup liquid measure.
12. Add enough flour (maybe 1/3 cup) to thicken removed liquid into a very thick clump free gravy. Use a whisk to get the clumps out, or a Braun wand mixer would be better.
13. Add the thick mixture to the stew, and stir well.
14. Cook another 2 or 3 minutes on medium low.
15. Remove from heat, serve.