Mom's Beef Stew

Anyone like comfort food?  Anyone having cold weather?

I've got a great solution for both.....Mom's Beef Stew!

This dish is hearty, warming, and brings such a sense of satisfaction!  It's been a family favorite for generations.  It's now a favorite of MGG's as well.  As a matter of fact, it was the first meal I ever made for him.  Such good memories!

Now, this stew takes several hours to cook.  Kinda low a slow, to really create the flavors.  So take some time on the weekend, during these cold winter days, and warm yourself up...make Mom's Beef Stew!

Here's what you need:  stew meat, onion, water, carrots, celery, a can of diced tomatoes, several potatoes, and some salt and pepper.

Cut the stew meat in to bite size pieces.

Cut an onion in to slices.

Add both onion and stew meat to a soup pot or dutch oven, adding water 3/4 of the way to the top.  Add salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil.  Turn down and simmer 1 - 1 1/2 hours.

This is going to make a great broth.  If you loose too much water, just add more, but remember to season the broth again.

Meanwhile, cut the celery and carrots in to small slices.

Add to the pot.  Cook 1 hour.

Add tomatoes and more salt and pepper.  Cook 30 minutes to develop the flavors.

Meanwhile, peel potatoes and cut in to bite sized chunks.

Add potatoes and let them cook another hour.  Taste for seasoning.

Serve and enjoy the warmth and deliciousness!

Mom's Beef Stew

½  lb of stew meat, cut in to bit sized pieces

1 medium onion, sliced

water

3-4 carrots, peeled and sliced

2-3 stalks of celery, sliced

1  14oz can diced tomatoes

3-4 medium sized russet potatoes, cut in to medium chunks

Salt and pepper

In a 5qt stock pot add meat, onion, and enough water to cover 2-3 inches above the meat.  Heat over high heat to boiling and then reduce to simmer.  Add salt and pepper. (you will need to layer your seasonings)  Cook at a simmer for 1 to 1 ½ hrs.  This is going to make your broth.  If you loose too much water, turn your temp down, and add some water.

Add carrots and celery.  Cook 1 hour.

Add tomatoes, more salt and pepper.  Cook 30 min to develop the flavors.

Add potatoes.  Cook 1 hour.  Taste and season as necessary.

Serves 6.