Spicy Provencal Beef Stew

Spicy Provencal Beef Stew (Serves 6-8 people)

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• 2 onions, chopped

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup white wine

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cayenne peppers, chopped

• 4-5 potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 cup pitted olives (black or green)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour and salt. Add stew meat to the bowl and coat well with the flour mixture.

2. Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the stew meat in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the browned meat to a plate and set aside.

3. Add thyme, rosemary, onions, and chopped cayenne peppers to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent.

4. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

5. Add white wine to the pot and stir to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.

6. Add crushed tomatoes, dijon mustard, black pepper, and the browned stew meat back to the pot and stir to combine.

7. Add enough water to the pot to just barely cover the meat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.

8. Add cubed potatoes and olives to the pot and stir to combine. Let simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and tender.

9. Serve the Provencal Beef Stew hot with crusty bread or over rice or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!