French beef stew - Fransk köttgryta

FRENCH BEEF STEW
Fransk köttgryta

A beef stew with bacon, thyme, rosemary and garlic. The wine lends its hearty flavour to the meat and the gravy.

4 servings

1 1/3 lbs boneless beef

5 oz bacon
7 oz shallots
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
salt, pepper
2 tablespoons chili sauce
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 meat bouillon cube
¾ cup water
1½ cup red wine
6 oz fresh mushrooms
2 crushed garlic cloves

Cut the meat in even-sized cubes and the bacon in pieces. Peel and split the shallots. Melt the fat in a frying pot and brown the meat until coloured. Flavour with some salt and pepper. Add onions and bacon and sizzle for a few minutes. Add chili sauce, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, bouillon cube, water and wine. Cover and simmer for about 40 minutes.

Trim the mushrooms and cut them in pieces. Blend them into the stew and boil for another 15 to 20 minutes or until the meat is tender. Add crushed garlic and flavour to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve and enjoy!

Bella