AN IRISH GUINNESS BEEF STEW

Steps:

• 1. In a small bowl add in the flour and a pinch of salt and pepper. Flour lightly the pieces of beef to seal in the flavour.
• 2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the beef stew using tongs to turn the pieces over.
• 3. If you have too much liquid, carefully remove it to ensure the beef will brown. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
• 4. Add beef stock.
• 5. Add Guinness.
• 6. Add wine.
• 7. Add tomato paste, sugar, and thyme.
• 8. Add Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves.
• 9. Stir to combine and bring to the boil. Reduce heat let simmer for 2 hours; stirring occasionally. NOTE = You may need to add more liquids. Take into consideration how many cups of vegetables you are adding or whether you want a thicker stew or a soup texture; "we like thicker stew" so I used a 3 to 1 ratio of beef stock to the Guinness and wine. This ensures to preserve the flavour of the Guinness.
• 10. While the meat and stock are simmering, prepare the veg. Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add potatoes, onion, and carrots. Remember the potatoes will reduce half the size so be sure to double the volume.
• 11. I cooked the veg for about 30 minutes until they were tender and started to turn a little brown. Do not cover otherwise the veg will steam instead of browning.
• 12. Add the brown vegetables to the stew.
• 13. Let simmer for about 20 minutes. Add more salt and pepper to taste. This is a great stew to make ahead of time to let the flavours blend overnight. Or if you can't wait have on the night excellent as well too ... :)