It's the browning--long and lazy--that gives a stew the rich color and flavor; gentle cooking is what makes the meat tender.
1-1/2 pounds boneless beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons cooking oil
4 cups water
1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 bay leaf
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
6 medium carrots, bias-sliced into 3/4-inch chunks
1 pound small white onions, peeled and halved
4 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 cup cold water
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Snipped fresh parsley (optional
Recipe
1. In a large pot cook all the meat at once in hot oil over medium-high heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until brown, stirring occasionally. Drain off excess fat. Add the 4 cups water, sliced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, sugar, salt, paprika, pepper, bay leaf, and allspice. Bring just to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in carrots, halved onions, and potatoes. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, about 30 minutes more or until meat and vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaf.
3. In a screw-top jar shake together the 1/2 cup cold water and flour until combined. Stir into stew. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly; cook 1 minute more. Season stew to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle each serving with snipped parsley, if desired. Makes 6 servings.
Nutrition facts per serving: 389 calories, 13 g total fat, 4 g saturated fat, 82 mg cholesterol, 338 mg sodium, 37 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 31 g protein, 171% vitamin A, 37% vitamin C, 5% calcium, 30% iron.