Beef Stew w/ Cilantro
Makes 6 to 8 servings

Who does not like Beef Stew.   This is another of taking a traditional dish and putting a Southwestern flavor to it.

Ingredients

• 1/2 - cup all-purpose flour

• 1 - teaspoon salt

• 1/4 - teaspoon pepper

• 2 - tablespoons butter

• 2 - pounds beef stew, cut into 1 inch pieces

• 1 - medium onion, diced

• 6  -cups water

• 2 - beef bouillon cubes

• 1 - bay leaf

• 3 - medium potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes (peeled or un-peeled)

• 4 - carrots cut into 1-inch slices

• 1 - green bell pepper, cut into strips

• 3 - green chile peppers, cut into strips

• 1- cup celery, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 - teaspoon salt

• 1/2 - teaspoon pepper

• 1/4 - cup cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. In a medium-mixing bowl, mix flour, 1-teaspoon salt and the pepper.  You want to dredge the meat with flour mixture and coat.

2. In a large stockpot, add butter and melt shortening at a medium-high temperature.  

3. Add the meat and brown.  Add in the onion and sauté with the browning meat. 

4. When the onion is clear, add water, bouillon cubes, and bay leaf to the meat and onions.  Bring to a boil.  

5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover stockpot and simmer for an hour.

6. You now want to add the potatoes, carrots, green pepper, chile pepper, celery, salt, and pepper.  

7. You want to continue simmering ingredients for 45 minutes.  

8. Now, add the cilantro and simmer 15 minutes more.  You want the vegetables to be tender.

Picnicking & Tailgating

Heat (on stove or in microwave) and pour into a thermos.  When you get to the picnic or tailgate site, just pour and enjoy.