Hearty stews are one of the highlights of autumn and our tasty Beef Stew with Prunes offers a fruity twist on the more classic stew flavours. Warming, nutritious and downright delicious, our hearty stew is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Why not make a double batch and freeze in single-serve portions?
Ingredients
2 tbs ground nut oil
600g boneless beef, cut into large chunks, ask your butcher to prepare
2 medium onions, peeled and roughly chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled, trimmed and diced
600 ml beef stock
400g tin of chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
12 ready-to-eat Prunes, halved
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325f / 170c / gas 3
- Place a large, oven-proof, casserole pot over a medium heat, add the oil, and when hot quickly sear all the beef pieces, stirring and turning to brown each side. When browned, remove the beef from the pan with a slotted spoon and keep to one side.
- Add the onion and carrots to the pan, add a splash of the stock then cover and leave to sautee in the stock over the medium heat – about 5-7 minutes (check every few minutes to ensure they are not burning and stir as necessary). Turn the heat to high, then add the tomatoes, stirring well, then leave to simmer for a minute.
- Next add half the parsley and the rest of the stock, give it a stir, and add the beef back. Bring to the boil, then cover and pop into the hot oven. After 45 minutes, add the prunes, then return to the oven for another 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle with the remainder of the fresh parsley, and serve. This dish can really work with a crunchy green salad. The salad does not need a dressing as the juice from the stew is so filled with flavour.
