Ingredients

  • 3/4 c. flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 1/3 lb. stew beef
  • olive oil (enough to brown meat)
  • 3 cans tomatoes (Italian)
  • 3 cans beef broth
  • 1/4 c. dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 c. frozen peas or green beans
  • 1 or 2 garlic cloves (whole)
  • dash of dried basil, rosemary, oregano and thyme to taste
  • dash of pepper and salt
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 to 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery
  • 3 or 4 potatoes

Method

  • Mix flour and salt.
  • Coat meat, shaking off excess.
  • Heat oil in a 4 to 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it looks thin and rippling but not smoking.
  • Brown beef in 2 or 3 batches. Return all meat to pot.
  • Stir in tomatoes, broth, wine, garlic, herbs, pepper and bay leaves.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours, stirring 3 or 4 times.
  • Add carrots, potatoes, green beans and celery.
  • Cover and simmer 45 minutes longer, stirring once or twice, until meat and vegetables are tender.
  • Garnish with herbs.