Hearty Vegetable Stew Seasoned with Beef

Ingredients

• 2 (14 1/4-ounce) cans fat-free beef broth
• 1/2 pound lean, boned chuck roast
• 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
• 4 cups vertically sliced onion
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups cubed carrots
• 3 cups cubed red potatoes
• 2 1/2 cups quartered mushrooms
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preparation

1. Bring beef broth to a boil in a small saucepan; cook 15 minutes or until reduced to 2 cups. Set aside.
2. Trim fat from roast; cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef; brown on one side. Remove from pan, and set aside. Heat remaining oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, tomato paste, and garlic; cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Return beef to pan. Add reduced broth, carrots, and next 6 ingredients (carrots through peas); bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
3. Combine water and cornstarch in a small bowl; stir well. Add to stew. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Ladle into soup bowls; garnish with parsley, if desired.
4. Note: If you don't want alcohol in your stew, you can substitute a dealcoholized wine (Graham used Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Select).