COMFORTING BEEF STEW...JUST LIKE GRANDMA USED TO MAKE

Steps:

• Heat olive oil on medium low in Dutch oven or big soup pot.
• Pour flour into plastic bag (1 gallon).
• Place cubed meat inside & shake vigorously.
• Swirl meat w/ wooden spoon to coat thoroughly.
• Pour meat & finely chopped onion into Dutch oven.
• Wait approximately 1.5 minutes then add 2 tsp of garlic,.
• remaining flour, salt & pepper. Stir until browned.
• (Be careful not to burn the garlic).
• Add finely chopped carrots, finely chopped celery, diced onions & stir.
• Add broth, potatoes, diced onions, remaining garlic, parsley, thyme, basil, then stir.
• Bring to a boil, stir & reduce heat to low. Cover & simmer for 1.5 hours, stirrin frequently (approx. every 20-30 minutes.).
• Add stewed tomatoes, sliced carrots & celery. Stir thoroughly & cook for 25 minutes.
• Add mushrooms and peas (if applicable) and stir. Cook for 5 minutes.
• Spoon soup into bowls & serve w/ toasted sourdough or french bread w/ butter.
• Allow to cool slightly before eating. (Soup will be scalding hot.) Enjoy :0).