beef stew with potatoes and parsnips... 1 hour and 30 minutes

 

the goods:

 

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces

3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

1 medium yellow onion, diced medium

4 garlic cloves chopped

1/4 cup tomato paste (from one 6-ounce can)

1 pound fingerling, or other small potatoes, halved

1 pound parsnips, peeled and cut into  1/2-by-2-inch pieces

1 tablespoon white vinegar

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, season flour with salt and pepper. Coat beef in flour, shaking off excess. In a large heavy ovenproof pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium. In batches, brown beef on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.

 

Add remaining tablespoon oil, onion, garlic, and tomato paste and saute' until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add 3 cups water and bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits. Add beef and any accumulated juices, potatoes, parsnips, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cover, transfer to oven, and cook until meat is fork-tender, 1 hour. Stir in vinegar and serve.