Our Maldon Day Centre chef prepares a 2-course cooked lunch for our clients. A favourite is a good hearty stew. You can use braising beef to keep the cost down and portions can be frozen to easily reheat. The recipe can be cooked in the slow-cooker too.
Our day centre is open 4 days a week, we serve a 2-course lunch and incorporate activities to encourage movement and active minds. Plus there’s opportunity to to meet and socialise with other people!
Find out more about the day centre here.
Easy Beef Stew
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups beef broth/stock
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
3. Add the Vegetables and Liquids: Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Return the beef to the pot.
4. Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and simmer for another 5-10 minutes until thickened.
6. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Enjoy!
