Adventurers' Stew

Depending on how well you know me, it may or may not come as a surprise to learn that I am quite a nerd.  Let's just say that right now my main social outlet is playing Dungeons and Dragons.  Yeah, I'm that kind of nerd.  But it's a lot of fun!  In one of our games right now there is a dwarf named Ulf who is a fighter and also a good cook, well-known for making excellent stew.  This recipe is exactly the kind of stew that I picture him making.  For some reason it seems to be just the right sort of meal for adventurers.  I can definitely picture some of the heroes of The Lord of the Rings cooking it in a pan over a fire after a long day of travel.  It's wholesome, filling, and simple to make.  So pull out your biggest pot and get cooking - maybe you'll be inspired to run out your door without your pocket handkerchief the next time a Wizard stops by to tell you he's looking for someone to share in an adventure....

And I apologize in advance for the poor quality pictures.  That's what happens when your camera is in the room where your child is supposed to be napping, but isn't napping, and you don't want to go in and get it because then the chances of your child sleeping would be reduced to zero.  So phone camera pictures it is.


Adventurers' Stew

Ingredients: 1-2 lbs beef (cubed), flour, salt and other seasonings, oil, vegetables (garlic, onions, carrots, mushrooms, potatoes, etc.), and water (or stock or red wine).

Start by putting 1 cup flour, 1/2 tablespoon salt, and any other seasonings into a bowl.  I included pepper, thyme, oregano, paprika, and dried chili pepper flakes.  Mix, then add the cubed meat and toss to coat.

Heat some oil in a pot, then add the meat and stir until browned.  Save the flour mixture for later.  

I have basil frozen in oil from last summer that I like to use, which adds even more flavour!

Meanwhile, the veggies that you are planning to add need to be roughly chopped.  Big chunks are good for this stew!  I generally use garlic, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and potatoes.

Add it all to the pot!  Then pour in enough liquid to go halfway up the meat/vegetable mixture.  Simmer, stirring often, until the vegetables are cooked.

As everything cooks, the vegetables soften and settle into the liquid.

Sprinkle the remaining flour mixture into the stew and stir.

Now your stew is ready to be enjoyed by all adventurers!

Whether your adventures are out in the great wide world...

Or in your imagination!