Soup or stew jeudi

French Beef Stew
Passport to Flavor Copyright 1993

1 ½ pounds stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cans (14 ½ ounces each) stewed tomatoes I used one can of stewed tomatoes and one can of diced tomatoes with basil, oregano and garlic
1 can (14 ounces) beef broth
4 medium carrots, pared, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 medium potatoes, pared, cut into 1-inch chunks I kept the pieces big to avoid mushiness
¼ teaspoon thyme
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional) I used this and wouldn't suggest leaving it out

Combine meat and flour in plastic bag; toss to coat evenly. In 6-quart saucepan, brown meat in oil. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Add remaining ingredients, except mustard. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 1 hour or until beef is tender. Blend in mustard. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with warm crusty French bread, if desired.

6 to 8 servings.
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This simple little stew was actually very good. I messed up a little and had to use one can of diced seasoned tomatoes but that probably only made it better. The husband even specifically commented that this was good stew. I thought the addition of the mustard was important - I wouldn't leave it out. I always make my stews the day before which makes them even better. This was definitely one of the best beef stew recipes I've tried. I loved that it was so easy to throw together.

This is my contribution to Cyndi's Soup of Stew Thursdays. She's had a rough couple of weeks, hopefully she'll be able to get to the round up this week.

Blast From The Past: Banana Cake VI from July 2006. I have some bananas and I've been thinking about that cake but I should probably look for something healthier. I think I've dipped enough bananas in chocolate. I've been on a chocolate dipping binge. Pretzels and graham crackers are my current favorites.

Question of the Day: Have you been eating a lot of any one particular food lately? Do you get on food 'kicks' or do you generally eat a variety of things?