BEEF STEW with CARROTS & THYME

PREPARATION: 10 MIN / COOKING: 1 HOUR / SERVES 4

1kg cubed beef 30ml (2T) Maizena or flour, for dusting 30ml (2T) canola or sunflower oil 1 red onion, roughly chopped 1-2 carrots, roughly chopped 4 garlic cloves, chopped or sliced 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme 8-10 fresh basil leaves, chopped salt and ground black pepper 20ml (4t) beef stock powder or 3-4 stock cubes 1L (4 x 250ml) boiling water TO SERVE pap or mashed potatoes 1 Dust the meat with the Maizena or flour. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat and fry the beef cubes for 20 minutes, until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside. 2 Add a little more oil to the pot if needed, then add the onion, carrots and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the thyme, basil and salt and pepper and fry for 5 minutes, until the onion is golden brown. 3 Return the meat to the pot and add the stock powder or cubes and water. Lower the heat and simmer for about 35 minutes, until the liquid reduces and the meat is tender. 4 To serve Serve with pap or mashed potatoes.