JOHN MULLIGAN'S MULLIGAN STEW

Steps:

• Sprinkle the beef with the salt and pepper and dredge in 1/2 cup of the flour, coating pieces well.
• Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large cooking pot.
• Brown the meat on all sides-- do this in batches-- over medium-high heat; use more oil as needed.
• Set meat aside once browned.
• Pour 1/2 cup water into the pot and scrape bottom and sides with a wooden spoon to dislodge all the brown bits.
• Return meat to pot.
• Add enough water to cover meat by one inch and bring to a boil; boil for 5 minutes.
• Reduce heat and simmer meat for two hours; skim away any foam as necessary.
• After two hours, add carrots, turnips, onion slices and potatoes to stew.
• Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes; add water if necessary to barely cover the stew.
• In a bowl or measuring cup, combine the remaining 1/4 cup flour with 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and whisk to a smooth paste.
• Whisk or stir into the stew; simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
• Add salt and/or pepper to taste, and serve.
• Note: The recipe doesn't call for any herbs or spices, but I would add some fresh herbs along with the vegetables; I would suggest fresh thyme and fresh parsley.