Hearty Two-by-Four Stew Recipe

This two-by-four stew is a wholesome and satisfying dish that will warm you up on chilly evenings. Packed with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic spices, this stew is a comfort food classic. Slow-cooked to perfection, the flavors meld together to create a rich and savory dish that the whole family will enjoy. With a cooking time of just over two hours, this recipe is perfect for a leisurely weekend meal or for a special occasion. Serve this mouthwatering stew with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. In a large bowl, toss the beef stew meat with the flour until well coated.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the coated beef to the pot and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
5. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and chopped celery to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes.
7. Return the browned beef to the pot.
8. Pour in the beef broth and red wine, and stir in the tomato paste.
9. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
10. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
11. After 2 hours, remove the bay leaf and taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
12. Serve the two-by-four stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

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