Beef stew ii

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
4tablespoonsVegetable oil
¼cupFlour
Salt and pepper
2poundsBoneless lean beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
cupWater
2Bay leaves
2teaspoonsSalt
¼teaspoonPepper
1Clove garlic,peeled & crushd
3mediumsCarrots, peeled and thinly sliced
6mediumsPotatoes, peeled and cubed
2Stalks celery, cut in 1/2-inch slices
½cupCatsup
3tablespoonsTo 6 T flour
¾cupCold water
½teaspoonTo 1 t brown bouquet sauce (optional)
10ouncesFrozen peas,partially thawed

Directions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over moderate heat on a conventional range. 2. Combine flour and salt and pepper to taste in a plastic or paper bag. Shake meat cubes in seasoned flour to coat. 3. Brown beef cubes, a few at a time, on all sides in hot oil.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil as needed. 4. Transfer browned beef cubes into a deep, 3-quart, heat-resis- tant, non-metallic casserole. Add the 2½ cups of water, bay leaves, the 2 teaspoons of salt, the ¼ teaspoon pepper and the garlic. Heat, uncovered, in Microwave Oven 10 minutes. Stir after 5 minutes. Skim any foam that may form. 5. Add carrots, potatoes, celery and catsup. Stir to combine. Heat, covered, in Microwave Oven 25 to 30 minutes or until meat and vegetables are tender. 6. While beef and vegetables are cooking, combine the 6 table- spoons flour and the ¾ cup of water in a small bowl. 7. Remove bay leaves from stew. 8. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the stew. If desired add brown bouquet sauce, a little at a time until desired color is reached. CAUTION: Color will deepen as stew cooks. 9. Add peas and heat, covered, 3 to 5 minutes or until sauce is thickened and peas are hot.