Spicy & Hearty Beef Stew For A Cozy Evening

Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins Preparation Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 2 lbs lean beef, cut in 1 1/2 inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons fat
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons chili powder (essential for this stew)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons italian herb seasoning, such as fuller's beaujolais blend
• 4 cloves (whole cloves the spice)
• 2 raw tomatoes, chopped or 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 1 raw red pepper, coarsely chopped
• 2 cups meat stock or 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups boiling water
• 6 small red potatoes, cut in half
• 6 small carrots, sliced 1 inch thick
• 6 small onions or 2 medium onions, quartered
• 3 -4 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 cup fresh peas (can also use green beans)

Recipe

• 1 heat a large, heavy skillet with the oil.
• 2 brown the meat over medium high heat turning as needed; sprinkle with sugar and continue to brown. dust lightly with flour and continue to brown.
• 3 add the tomatoes, red pepper, herbs, bay leaf, cloves, beef stock and boiling water. cover and simmer over low heat about 1 hour or until meat is tender.
• 4 add the vegetables except the peas or beans and combine. continue to cook 30 minutes longer.
• 5 add peas; cook 5 minutes longer.
• 6 serve with french bread or homemade buttermilk biscuits.