Belgian beef stew

8 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
3poundsLean stewing beef cut into 1 1/2-in cubes
Flour for dredging
5tablespoonsVegetable oil
2largesOnions peeled and thinly sliced
2Garlic cloves peeled and minced
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
12ouncesBeer
2poundsSauerkraut rinsed and squeezed dry
2tablespoonsMarjoram
2tablespoonsDark brown sugar
1teaspoonCelery seed
1Bay leaf
¾cupPitted green olives, sliced
1cupCream (optional)
½cupMinced flat-leaf parsley for garnish

Directions

PREHEAT OVEN TO 325F. Dredge the meat in flour. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven. Add only enough meat to cover the bottom of the pan without crowding and brown on all sides, scraping and turning the cubes so that they don't burn. Remove the meat with a slotted spoon to a bowl, and continue until all the meat is browned, adding fresh oil as needed. If the oil has burned or more oil is needed, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the pot. When it is hot, add the onions and cook for 6-to-7 minutes more, stirring frequently until they are light brown and soft. Stir in the garlic. Add the meat, salt, pepper, beer, sauerkraut, marjoram, brown sugar, celery seed, bay leaf and olives and stir to mix well. Cover and transfer the casserole to the oven for 1½ hours. Stir occasionally. After the meat is tender, remove the bay leaf, skim off any excess fat and stir in the cream, if desired. Add the parsley.

JOANNA PRUESS - PRODIGY GUEST CHEFS COOKBOOK