Hearty One Pot Beef Stew

Like a soup but a lot heartier, a bowl of my one pot beef stew can be comforting, filling and healthy. Beef is an excellent source of vitamin B2, B6 and B12. Also it is high in protein, niacin, selenium, zinc, iron, potassium and phosphorus.

Ingredients:  

• 1kg beef of good quality chuck casserole steak, cut into chunks (fat trimmed)
• 2 pieces of rindless bacon (optional) 
• 1 brown onion, chopped
• 2 gloves garlic, chopped 
• 1 chilli, chopped (optional) 
• 1 tin whole tomatoes 
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 
• 120g button mushrooms, halved 
• 5-6 mini carrots, halved 
• 2-3 potatoes, peeled and quartered 
• 1/2 cup peas 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine 
• 4 cups water 
• Sprig of thyme 
• 1 bay leaf 
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. 
2. Add onion, chilli and bacon and cook for 5 minutes, or until onion is soft. 
3. Add beef chunks and garlic, cook for a further 5 minutes or until meat changes colour.
4. Add wine and thyme in pot and cook for another 5 minutes. 
5. Stir in the vegetables (apart from peas and mushrooms) tin tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf and 4 cups of water. Season with salt and pepper. 
6. Reduce heat to low, cover with lid and cook for one hour, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in peas and mushrooms and continue to cook for another hour or until meat is really soft. Serve warm on its own or with rice. Enjoy!

Serves 4-6