Homemade Apple Cider Beef Stew

Name: Homemade Apple Cider Beef Stew
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 3 cups apple cider or juice; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth; 2 tablespoons cider vinegar; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 medium carrots, cut into 3/4-inch pieces; 3 celery ribs, cut into 3/4-inch pieces; 2 medium onions, cut into wedges; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup water; Fresh thyme sprigs, optional

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Cook: 1-3/4 hours YIELD: 8 servings.

It's especially nice to use this recipe in fall, when the weather gets crisp and the local apple orchards start selling fresh apple cider. This entree's subtle sweetness is a welcome change from other savory stews. We enjoy it with biscuits and slices of apple and cheddar cheese. —Joyce Glaesemann, Lincoln, Nebraska

Ingredients

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons canola oil
3 cups apple cider or juice
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 medium carrots, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
3 celery ribs, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
2 medium onions, cut into wedges
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup water
Fresh thyme sprigs, optional

Directions

1. In a Dutch oven, brown beef on all sides in oil over medium-high heat; drain. Add the cider, broth, vinegar, salt, thyme and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/4 hours.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots, celery and onions; return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until beef and vegetables are tender.
3. Combine flour and water until smooth; stir into stew. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. If desired, serve with fresh thyme.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 330 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.