Autumn Harvest Stew

Here’s a healthy, hearty and comforting stew to serve on cold winter nights. It makes good use of the ingredients that are in season, but can also be modified to include your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds stewing beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup sliced celery
3 cups beef broth
2 carrots
2 medium potatoes
1/2 cup baby lima beans
1 cup apple juice
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
1 jar (12 ounces) small white onions, drained, or about 1 dozen frozen, thawed
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons cold water

What’s next
Brown the beef in a large saucepan (don’t overcrowd). When ready, toss in the onion and celery. After about 5 minutes, pour in the beef broth. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, lower heat, cover the pan, and leave to simmer for about one and a half hours.
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the beef in the vegetable oil; add onion and celery and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes longer. Add beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Add the carrots, beans, potatoes and apple juice, then simmer until the vegetables are tender. Then add onions and corn, cooking for another 10 minutes. Add flour dissolved in a little water to thicken the stew. Season with salt and pepper. Now, chow down! Serve with cornmeal or hot biscuits.