Today my Grandmother would have been 106. She was an amazing woman who not only served in the military in foreign land (back before Alaska was a state) but outranked my Grandfather as well. She hitchhiked across the country on little airplanes and truly was a trailblazer in so many ways. She raised 6 children, and got to see 16 grandchildren come into the world. She was the 2nd coolest woman I have ever known, the first being her daughter, my mother, respectively.
Anyway, Grandma lived through the Great Depression when means were tight and making ends meet came up short. This revised recipe pays homage to her memory and those tough times with a flavorful modern twist courtesy of yours truly. Happy Birthday Grandma, I love and miss you every day.
Ingredients
- 1.5lb fajita strips beef (cut in half for bite size) Grandma used chuck
- 1lb fingerling potatoes Grandma used big potatoes and cut them
- 1 Quart container of beef broth
- 16oz kettle and fire chipotle beef bone broth This is a Tash addition
- 2 large onions (sliced)
- 1/2-3/4 bag of frozen carrot chips
- 1 beef bullion cube
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley optional but highly recommended
- Salt (for onions)
- 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Butter or olive oil Grandma used Margarine as butter was not available
Prepare
Slice onions into strips. Sprinkle with a pinch of Salt and pepper. Set aside.
Cut beef strips into smaller bites.
Directions
1. In a large pot heat butter or oil over medium high heat until sizzling. Toss in beef strips. Season with measured pepper and parsley. Brown meat.
2. Add in onion strips. Mix, and allow to cook for 4-6 minutes. Add in frozen carrots and stir.
3. Add in beef broth, bouillon cube, and bone broth. Bring to boil. Add in potatoes.
4. Turn heat down to simmer and cover for 1 hour (more time necessary if potatoes are still firm. This is why I use fingerling potatoes)
5. Turn heat back up to medium and gentle boil.
IN A SMALL CUP
6. Add cornstarch to cold water and stir until smooth. SLOWLY pour mixture into beef stew and stir. When you start to see boiling mixture, turn heat down to low/simmer. Stir occasionally until broth has thickened slightly into a watery gravy.
Serve with your favorite (gluten free) bread