Rainy days call for hearty dinners.  Last night that hearty dinner was a simple beef stew.  While we typically don’t eat a lot of red meat (and lately I’ve had one foot even more firmly in the vegetarian camp, as Andrew puts it…but more on that another day) we had a package of Simple Truth organic stew meat in the freezer just waiting for such a day as yesterday.

Simple Beef Stew

1 lb stew meat
5 carrots, peeled & sliced
4 celery stalks, sliced
3 Russet potatoes, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2-3 c chicken broth
2-3 c beef broth
1 tsp dried rosemary
Worcestershire* sauce (a splash)
Pepper
1-2 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in equal amount cold water
Red wine vinegar (a splash)

(*I spelled that correctly on the first try!  My trick is to say in my head: “Wor-chester-shire” and take out the “h”.  😀  It’s the little things.)

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.  Add beef and brown all sides.  2.  Reduce to medium heat, add garlic, and cook until fragrant (about a minute).  3.  Add all remaining ingredients except vinegar and stir well, making sure broth is covering all veggies. 4.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about an hour.  5.  Add splash of red wine vinegar.  6. When vegetables are tender, the stew is ready for you to enjoy!

It was quite good :).  And for someone who regularly brings home the baby carrots she packed in her lunch that morning with great intentions, it’s a great way to eat the vitamin-A-packed roots.

Andrew’s review:  “This is really good, baby; two thumbs up… even though it isn’t Stewsday!”

What else tastes great on a rainy night?  Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, of course.

Speaking of eating, I’m now off to eat my words from yesterday–specifically the words, “I don’t mind running in the rain.”  😉

Have a great Friday!

-Rainy day meals: what’s your go-to?
-Raw carrots:  love them, or love them in theory, hate them in taste unless dipped in Ranch dressing?