BEEF & SWEET POTATO STEW (SLOW COOKER)

Steps:

• Season the beef with salt & pepper.
• Heat the oil over medium high heat and a large skillet.
• Brown all sides of the beef in batches, transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
• Deglaze the skillet with 1.5 cups water and pour the liquid over the beef.
• Add the spices and stir to combine.
• Layer the onions, garlic, and sweet potatoes over the beef.
• Cook on the low setting for 4 hours or until the beef is tender, and the sweet potatoes are easily pierced with a fork but retain their shape.
• Meanwhile, toast the rice in a small skillet over medium-high heat until just browned.
• Transfer to a plate or bowl to cool.
• When cool, run through a spice mill or coffee grinder until it is a fine powder.
• Also grind half of the peanuts.
• Coarsely chop the other half of the peanuts.
• Add the powdered rice and ground peanuts to the cooker and stir gently, taking care not to smash the potatoes.
• Bring a small pan with 1" water in the bottom to a boil.
• Add the apricots and green beans.
• Cook until the green beans are bright green and still slightly crisp (about 5 minutes).
• Drain and stir the beans & apricots into the stew.
• Season with salt & pepper to taste.
• Serve sprinkled with the chopped peanuts.