Tasty Thursday: Man Stew

This is about as simple as it gets gals. This is a hearty, meat and potatoes stew that is sure to fill up even the pickiest of men (like mine!).


Manly Beef Stew

1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat
1 1/2 tablespoons shortening
3 cups hot water OR beef broth or stock
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3-4 large potatoes, gold potatoes are great for this
2 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 or 2 bay leaves
3/4 cup cold water
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Cook and stir the meat in the shortening in a 12-inch skillet or preferably a Dutch oven, until beef is brown. This will take about 15 minutes. Add 3 cups hot water (or broth), 3/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer until beef is almost tender, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. (Be prepared to add more water if necessary. Occasionally I've had a lot of the water cook off, probably from the heat being just a tad too high. I just keep it nearby now.)

Stir in the potatoes, 2 1/4 teaspoons salt and bay leaves. Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Remove bay leaves.

Shake the 3/4 cup cold water and 3 tablespoons flour in a tightly sealed container, and gradually stir into stew. (this is the thickener, if you want it thicker later, you can also add dried potato flakes). Boil and stir 1 minute, then reduce heat.

Cover and cook for about 20 minutes.

This makes around 5-8 servings, depending on how hungry your man is!

Don't forget to visit the Pumkin Patch for more Tasty Thursday Recipes!