Guinness Stew

Photo: flickr user Daniel Panev

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 slice bacon, cut into½" peices

2 pounds lean stewing beef, cubed

1 large onion, chopped

2 tablespoons flour

2 carrots, sliced

12 smalls white onions, peeled

1 1/2 cups beef stock

6 1/2 ounces Guinness beer

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 bouquet garni

coarse salt

pepper

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat oil in a heavy casserole (which will fit both into the oven and on top of the stove) and add the bacon. Fry until browned; drain the bacon on paper towels.

Dry the cubes of beef with paper towels and brown in the bacon drippings; remove the beef. Add the chopped onions and brown lightly. Stir in the flour, cook for 2-3 minute: do not let the flour burn.

Return the beef, along with its juices, to the casserole. Add the bacon, carrots, white onions, stock, Guinness, sugar, vinegar, bouquet, salt & pepper. Bring to a boil. Cover.

Bake 1 1/2- 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve warm.