Mustard-Herb Beef Stew

Basic meat and potatoes get bold flavor after simmering in this heady combination of dark beer, onions, thyme, and parsley.

Ingredients

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. snipped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
1 tsp. snipped fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
1-1/2 lb. boneless beef chuck, cut in 1-to 1-1/2-inch pieces
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 8- to 10-oz. pkg. cipolini onions, peeled, or 1 medium onion, peeled and cut in wedges
4 carrots, peeled, cut in 1-inch pieces
1 8-oz. pkg. cremini mushrooms, halved if large
8 tiny Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
3 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard
1 14-oz. can beef broth
1 12-oz. bottle dark porter beer or non-alcholic beer
1 bay leaf
Crusty bread slices

Directions

1. In large bowl combine flour, parsley, thyme, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add beef, a few pieces at a time; stir to coat. Reserve leftover flour mixture.

2. In 6-quart Dutch oven heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef. Stir in onions, carrots, mushrooms, and potatoes. Cook and stir 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, mustard, and remaining flour mixture. Add broth, beer, and bay leaf. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 1 to 1-1/4 hours until beef is tender. Remove and discard bay leaf. Serve with crusty bread. Makes 6 (1-1/2-cup) servings.