Stairwell Stew Recipes

Steps:

• Trim and wipe stew meat thoroughly. Combine all ingredients except flour, water, and mozzarella cheese in crock pot. Cover and cook on LOW for 10 to 12 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. One hour before serving, turn to HIGH setting. Make a smooth paste of water and flour stir into crock pot. Cover and cook until thickened. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over top.Note: A 3-lb. cut up chicken or round steak may be substituted for the stew beef.

Steps:

• Combine the flour and pepper in a bowl, add the beef and toss to coat well. Heat 3 teaspoons of the oil in a large pot. Add the beef a few pieces at a time; do not overcrowd. Cook, turning the pieces until beef is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch; add more oil as needed between batches.
• Remove the beef from the pot and add the vinegar and wine. Cook over medium-high heat, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Add the beef, beef broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a slow simmer.
• Cover and cook, skimming broth from time to time, until the beef is tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Add the onions and carrots and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Add the potatoes and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes more. Add broth or water if the stew is dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle among 4 bowls and serve.