mustard-herb beef stew

This is a hearty and warming one-pot meal that is easy to prepare and sure to please even a hungry man/carnivore.  I found the recipe from Better Homes & Gardens.
http://www.bhg.com/videos/m/32071522/mustard-herb-beef-stew.htm#q=mustard+herb+beef+stew

I used dried parsley, regular baking potatoes, white button mushrooms and plain old yellow mustard because that's what I had on hand.  Since I was in Korea the first time I made this, I used 400 grams (about 1 pound) of chopped beef (not ground), and I wasn't sure what cut of beef it was, but it worked just fine.

For dessert I made mini apple pies and cups of soul-soothing chai tea. :)


mustard-herb beef stew (serves 4-6)

1/3 cup flour
1 tbsp snipped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, or 1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp snipped fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 lb boneless beef chuck, cut into 1- 1 1/2-inch pieces
2 tbsp olive oil OR 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, peeled and cut into wedges
4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 8 oz package of mushrooms, halved
8 tiny Yukon Gold potatoes, halved, or 2-3 regular baking potatoes, quartered or cubed into large chunks
3 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp spicy brown mustard (or any mustard you have.  I used yellow mustard, but dijon would probably be good too)
1 14-oz can beef broth (or 2 cups water + 2 beef bouillon cubes (or 2 tsp powdered beef boullion))
1 12-oz bottle of dark beer
1 bay leaf

In a large bowl, combine flour, parsley, thyme, 1 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt.  Add beef and stir to coat.  Reserve leftover flour mixture.

In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, heat oil (or oil + butter) over medium-high heat.  Brown beef.  Stir in onions, carrots, mushrooms, and potatoes.  Cook and stir 3 minutes.  Stir in tomato paste, mustard, and remaining flour mixture.  Add broth, beer, and bay leaf.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.  Let simmer for 1 to 1 1/4 hours until beef and vegetables are tender.  Discard bay leaf.  Serve with crusty bread if desired.  Or mini apple pies!