Simple Beef Stew

This simple stew makes those cold winter nights bearable! This recipe, originally called Deer Isle Stew, is from Natalie G. Sylvester's "The Home-Cooking Cookbook."

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  lbs stewing beef
• 1⁄2 cup flour
• 2  tablespoons  vegetable oil (approximate, adjust according to the leanness of beef)
• 2  large onions, chopped
• 1  cup celery, chopped
• 3  tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 5  carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3  potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1  bay leaf
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3  tablespoons barley
•  salt, to taste
•  fresh ground pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Coat meat with flour. Sear on all sides in oil. Put onions in pan and brown them.
2. Put seared meat, browned onions, and all other ingredients in a large pot along with enough water just to cover.
3. Simmer slowly on low heat at least 2 hours. The longer this stew cooks, the better it is.