FRENCH STYLE PORK STEW WITH ROOT VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• put the flour in a large bowl and season generously with salt and pepper.
• Add the pork in 4 batches, tossing to coat thoroughly.
• In a large covered casserole, heat 2 T. oil until simmering.
• Add onion, shallot and garlic and saute until translucent.
• Remove and set aside on a plate.
• Add 1/4 of the pork and cook over moderately high heat until browned, about 6 minutes, transfer to a plate.
• Brown the remaining floured pork in 3 batches, adding 2 T. of oil to the pot per batch.
• Reduce the heat if the casserole bottom darkens too much.
• Return all pork to the casserole.
• Add the wine and bring to a boil.
• Add the stock and return to a boil.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Cover the casserole and braise the stew in the oven for about 1 hour, or until meat is nearly tender.
• Add the carrots, celery, parsnips, potatoes, fennel, thyme and bay leaves to the pork stew.
• Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil, stirrring to distribute the vegetables.
• Cover the casserole, return to the oven and cook until the meat and vegetables are tender, about 1 hour.
• Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves, season with salt and pepper.
• Serve and enjoy!
• **Can be made in slowcooker!