Irish Beef Stew

Serves 6

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Heat a 6 quart stove-top casserole and add the oil and bay leaves. Cook the bay leaves for a moment and then add the flour-dusted meat. Brown the meat on both sides on high heat. Place browned meat on platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Add the 3 tablespoons butter and diced onion and cook until the onions are translucent. Reduce heat to low and add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary and sprinkle with the 3 tablespoons flour; mix until smooth. Add the beef stock, tomato paste, molasses, and stout or beer.
2. Simmer, stirring until the stew thickens a bit. Add the remaining ingredients and cover. Place the pot in a 300 degrees F. oven for about 2 hours, stirring a couple of times. Add peas and salt and pepper to taste before serving. Top with chopped chives and parsley and serve with buttered Irish Soda Bread on the side.