Healthy Beef Stew

Name: Healthy Beef Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1-1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cups water; 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules; 2 teaspoons dried basil, divided; 1 teaspoon dried thyme, divided; 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided; 2 bay leaves; 3 cups cubed peeled potatoes; 3 cups quartered peeled small onions; 2 cups sliced carrots; 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup cold water

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 10 min. Cook: 1-3/4 hours YIELD: 6 servings.

This is one of the tastiest stews I have ever made. It's hearty and especially good for folks on restricted diets because most of its flavor comes from herbs and spices. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois

Ingredients

6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups water
2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
2 teaspoons dried basil, divided
1 teaspoon dried thyme, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
2 bay leaves
3 cups cubed peeled potatoes
3 cups quartered peeled small onions
2 cups sliced carrots
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold water

Directions

1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 4 tablespoons flour, paprika and pepper. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat.
2. In a Dutch oven, brown beef in oil over medium heat. Stir in tomato paste; cook until fragrant and the color starts to darken slightly. Add the water, bouillon, 1-1/2 teaspoons basil, 3/4 teaspoon thyme, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours or until meat is almost tender.
3. Add the potatoes, onions and carrots. Cover and simmer 30 minutes longer or until the meat and vegetables are tender.
4. Discard bay leaves. In a small bowl, combine the parsley, salt, and the remaining flour, basil, thyme and garlic powder. Add cold water; stir until smooth. Stir into stew. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 336 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 512mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch.