Beef Stew

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: at least 1 hour Serves: 4

Ingredients: 

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 400g lean stewing beef, cut into 3cm pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
•  4 celery sticks, chopped
• 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
• 8 baby potatoes, halved
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
•  200ml vegetable stock
• salt and pepper
•  chopped fresh oregano, to serve

Method:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large casserole over a medium heat.
2. Brown the beef in batches and set aside on a plate.
3. Reduce the heat and add the onion and garlic.
4. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so that the onion and garlic do not stick to the pot.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot.
6. Add the celery, mixed herbs, potatoes, tomatoes and stock.
7. Stir well and bring to the boil.
8. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 1½ hours. Stir occasionally and add a little water to the casserole if the stew seems dry.
9. Meanwhile, put on your runners and go for a jog!
10. When you are ready to serve, season to taste and ladle the stew into warmed serving bowls.
11. Sprinkle over the oregano and serve.