Mennonite Stew

This came from a Mennonite recipe book that I puchased at a harvest fair. I vary it from time to time by adding wine or beer to the simmering pot. This stew really tastes great on cold blustery days.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 3  lbs stewing beef
• 2  cups  chopped onions
• 3  tablespoons flour
• 2  cups water
• 1  chopped tomato
• 5  medium potatoes (cut up)
• 4  diced carrots
• 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme
• 1⁄2 teaspoon rosemary
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon black pepper
• 1  cup  frozen peas
• 1⁄2  diced  red pepper

Directions

1. Heat oil in large pot and brown beef with onions.
2. Sprinkle flour to coat everything and cook 1 minute.
3. Add water and chopped tomato.
4. Cover and simmer for 2 hours.
5. Add potatoes, carrots and spices.
6. Simmer an additional hour.
7. Add peas and red pepper and simmer an additional 15 minutes.
8. Serve with fresh bread.