AWARD WINNING BEEF STEW

Steps:

• In a large skillet over medium high heat, fry the bacon for 5 to 10 minutes, or until well browned.
• Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
• In small batches, saute the meat in the bacon fat until browned.
• Use a slotted spoon and set the stew meats aside as well.
• Melt the butter in the bacon fat in the same skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onion and garlic and saute for 5 minutes.
• Stir in the flour, caraway seeds, paprika and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Stir for two minutes until all the flour is dissolved.
• Whisk in the vinegar and tomato.
• The mixture should be very thick.
• Next, pour in the beef stock, beer, salt, water, red bell peppers, reserved bacon and reserved meat.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
• Stir in the potatoes, parsnip, celery and carrots and continue to simmer, covered, for 30 more minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
• Stir in the breadcrumbs until stew has thickened.
• Add the cabbage and peas and simmer for 5 more minutes.
• (Note: For best results, allow soup to cool slightly, then refrigerate overnight and reheat before serving.).