Beef stew to savour and beat the chill

ONE thing about South Africans, they do not like the cold. Often when the temperature drops below 10 , it is referred to as “freezing”.

The boots and blankets come out, the doors are locked and we start waiting for the summer.

Durbanites are even more dramatic, here at a mere 20 , it is “freezing” and you will quickly see the same Eskimo behaviour. However, it is a time to embrace another one of our South African traditions.

We are a nation of storytellers. We love to share in all the events of the day updating the family of all our adventures – often with a natural sense of humour.

Turn off the TV, put down your cell phone and talk to each other. Create memories, embrace the moment, celebrate our roots. “Our strength in unity”… “Amandla ubunye”

May this stew, inspired by the French and perfected by the Africans, warm the cockles of your heart this winter.

Hearty beef stew – slow cooker-friendly Easy Meals for Busy People

Serves 6

500g beef shoulder, cubed – 2cm pieces 1/2 cup flour 3 tbsp oil 5 pickling onions (or one large onion chopped) 2 tbsp dried thyme 2 cloves of garlic – finely chopped 3 bay leaves 1 cup red wine 1 cup beef stock 4 carrots – chopped 1 tsp salt

METHOD

Coat the beef cubes with the flour. Heat the oil to medium to hot.

Fry the beef cubes in 3 batches.

Place the cubes back into your pot, add all the ingredients and simmer over low heat for at least 3 hours unitl meat is tender. Serve with fresh bread.

Slow cooker: this is a great recipe for slow cookers, but it will need to simmer for at least 6 to 8 hours before it melts in your mouth.