Sunday 27 April 2014

What's for Dinner?

Good evening, from a chilly South Coast!

What's for dinner? That is the eternal question! I love cooking, although you would never say so, based on the fact that I hadn't cooked in months. I do have a good excuse though, but let me not diverge ;) For those of you who are not so drawn to the stove as I, though, here's an easy and delicious recipe to free you from that dreaded question, if for but one night ;) 

Yesterday I had a hankering for a satisfyingly rich beef dish, so I donned my apron and enjoyed experimenting to produce this delicious meal:



















Hearty Beef Stew 

Ingredients:

700g of diced beef (goulash) 

4 potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 large carrots, sliced

2 onions, finely chopped

2 celery sticks, chopped

1 tin of peeled, chopped tomatoes 

1 clove of garlic

2 cubes of beef stock

1/2 packet of brown onion soup

1/2 packet of beef soup

2 tsp of mixed herbs

1 tsp of black pepper 

1 cup of red wine

2 tbs olive oil

Method:

In a ziplock bag, toss the beef pieces in a few teaspoons of the soup powder, setting aside the rest to use later. In a large pot, lightly braze the meat in olive oil, on high heat. Remove the beef using a slotted spoon, and set it aside. Throw your onions into the hot oil and add the wine to deglaze the pot - and add an amazing flavour dimension! Now add the stock cubes, (stir thoroughly to make sure they are well dissolved) as well as the garlic, pepper, and herbs. Next,put in the potato, carrot, and celery. Add a little water, until the vegetables are almost covered, and bring to the boil. You can now turn down the heat and let it simmer for approximately half an hour, stirring regularly. Next, pour in the tin of tomatoes and re-add the beef. Bring to the boil once again, then let it simmer on low heat for about half an hour, or until the vegetables are soft. Finally, mix the remaining soup powder with a little water, and stir into the stew for added thickness and flavour. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes, and viola! Your scrumptious stew is ready to be enjoyed over rice :) 

Remember, cooking with wine is a great idea! And sometimes, it's good to put some in the food too ;)

I hope you enjoy this recipe, feel free to leave your comments on it below, and share it with your friends on Twitter, Facebook,Google+ or Pinterest! 

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