Scrummy stew for self-isolators | Lawrence Murphy

I’ve been delivering prescriptions in our area and trying to do a bit of fitness every day – with the help of Joe Wicks.

I’ve also been cooking, reading old cook books, and thinking about what’s in our cupboards to give you something to try each week. Here is an easy beef stew recipe that uses cardamom as a big flavour, but you could use chopped rosemary, black olives, cinnamon or even chilli.

If you want to add bulk then a tin of white beans or chickpeas can be added half way through.

Ingredients – serves 4

700g stewing beef, cut into cubes

2 onions, chopped

5 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tin chopped tomatoes

Tspn tomato paste

1 bay leaf

16 cardamom pods (split each one and use the seeds inside)

250 ml water

Salt and pepper

Method

1. Heat a large casserole dish and add a splash of olive oil.

2. Add the onions and garlic and cook for 2 mins.

3. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 min.

4. Now add the tomatoes, water, bay leaf and cardamon.

5. Bring to the boil and add the beef. Put a lid on it and put into a pre-heated oven 150C, gas 3 for 4 hrs. The wonderful aroma will fill the kitchen.

6. Check the beef is tender, season, and serve with cous cous, rice or potatoes.

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