Beef and Porter Stew

This is one of the best stews I have ever had. It has a deep dark, somewhat thick base. I have used Bass Pale Ale also with great results. Truly one of my favorites. From Chef Michael Lamonaco's appearance on the Today Show with some revisions. Serve with a nice crusty bread.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 40 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup  vegetable oil
• 2 1⁄2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1  large onion, diced
• 3  tablespoons butter
• 1⁄2 cup flour
• 2 (12 ounce) bottles beer (Porter ale)
• 2  cups low sodium beef broth
• 1⁄4 cup tomato paste
• 3  carrots, diced
• 3  parsnips, diced
• 2  stalks celery, diced
• 3  large Red Bliss potatoes, peeled and diced
•  salt and pepper

Directions

1. Put oil in large heavy bottomed pot and heat over medium high. Season beef. Brown meat well on all sides. Do not over crowd; you may have to do this in two batches. Cook about 8 minutes. Transfer to bowl and set aside.
2. Add onion, celery, and butter to pot and cook until golden and carmelized, about 15 minutes.
3. Sprinkle onions with flour. Stir well to combine. Cook stirring constantly about two minutes.
4. Combine broth and paste and stir to dissolve paste. Add to pot with beer. Stir well scraping up brown bits from bottom of pan. Add veggies and beef. Simmer covered for about two hours. Season as needed.