Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

For 2 servings

• olive oil1 tbsp
• diced beef (stewing steak)300 g
• onion, chopped1/2
• carrot, chopped1
• celery stick, chopped1
• plain flour1 tbsp
• beef stock400 ml
• tomato purée1 tbsp
• bay leaf1
• dried thyme1 tsp
• Salt and pepper, to taste

1. 1

   Pat the diced beef dry with kitchen paper before cooking, this helps it brown rather than steam in the pan.

2. 2

   Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the beef in a single layer, working in batches if the pan is small, overcrowding causes the meat to steam instead of browning. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply browned on all sides. Remove and set aside on a plate.

3. 3

   Add the onion, carrot and celery to the same pan, there should be good browned bits stuck to the base from the beef, don't wash these away, they carry flavour into the stew. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

4. 4

   Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute, coating the vegetables evenly, this will thicken the stew once liquid is added.

5. 5

   Return the beef to the pan, along with any juices on the plate. Gradually pour in the beef stock, a little at a time, stirring well after each addition to avoid lumps.

6. 6

   Add the tomato purée, bay leaf and thyme. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

7. 7

   Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to as low as it will go, and cook for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, checking every 20 to 30 minutes and giving it a stir to stop anything catching on the bottom.

8. 8

   The stew is ready when the beef is meltingly tender and falls apart easily with a fork, if it still feels tough or chewy, it needs more time, stewing beef rewards patience and only gets better the longer it simmers gently.

9. 9

   If the sauce looks thin once the beef is tender, remove the lid for the final 10 to 15 minutes and let it reduce and thicken.

10. 10

    Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with crusty bread or mashed potato.