Maggie's Beef Stew

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-19-2002
Maggie's Beef Stew
1
Mon, 09-27-2004 - 5:27pm

I made up this recipe over the weekend and it turned out wonderfully!  Very thick and satisfying.


Maggie's Beef Stew (phase 2 and 3)


3 lbs. of lean beef, cut into cubes
whole wheat flour
3-4 T. canola oil
1 package McCormick's beef stew seasoning packet (this brand had the better list of ingredients in my store)
2 cups pearled barley, cooked
2 cans fat-free, low sodium beef broth
salt and pepper to taste
4-6 stalks celery, sliced
1 cup tender baby carrots, fresh, cut up
6-8 very small "new" potatoes, cut into quarters, skin on
1 onion, chopped
1 cup sliced mushrooms (I used jarred)

In a large dutch oven or big pot, heat canola oil over medium heat.  Place cubes of beef in a bag with flour; shake until coated.  Shake off excess flour, cook in canola oil, stirring constantly until thoroughly browned.  Add a bit more canola oil if needed.


Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, prepare pearled barley according to directions on bag.  (Barley will require about 40 minutes of cooking time separately over very low heat, before adding to stew.)

When meat is thoroughly browned, add McCormick's seasoning packet, 2 cans of beef broth, salt and pepper; cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes.  Stir regularly, and add water as needed.  Will thicken as you cook, due to the flour.

Add celery, carrots, new potatoes, onion, and prepared barley.  Add more water if needed.  Simmer on low heat, covered, for another 45 minutes. 

Add mushrooms.  Stir and simmer for another 15 minutes. 

This stew is very thick and satisfying...a family favorite!

Some people may wish to add other/additional spices due to personal taste, such as a bay leaf. If you wish, pick out the potatoes and let the family eat them. 


Maggie 


Sex, Marriage and Intimacy:  http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ghmarriage/<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />


South Beacher since 10/27/03 -- Lost 48 lbs., Lost 8 inches in waist
The South Beach Diet:  http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-fbsouthbeach

South Beach Success Story in Pictures: http://www.ofoto.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=4ystq829.7evmgiox&Uy=mkqhor&Upost_signin=BrowsePhotos.jsp%3fshowSlide%3dtrue&Ux=0

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-19-2002
Mon, 09-27-2004 - 5:40pm

Some of you may have questions about my inclusion of new potatoes to this recipe.