Pastured Beef Stew With Roots.

Thank God for small farmers! I owe the star of this meal (pastured chuck roast) to some very fine, hardworking, local farmers whom I am privileged to know. I have a theory that the rock stars of the future will be all of those who produce nutrient dense food for their local community! Thank you to all the farms in Western North Carolina for being the backbone of my health!
Here is a hearty stew featuring pastured beef and root vegetables. Traditionally beef stew is made with beef stock. However, I happened to have a leftover chicken carcass (see earlier post) that I used for stock instead, as a matter of convenience. Generally in the kitchen, if you are using lovely ingredients and put them together, there is no way to disappoint. The cow ate pasture, the roots ate sunshine and earth.....bon appetit!

Pastured Beef Stew with Roots:

*1 medium grass fed chuck roast
*4 cups stock
*1 cup dry red wine
*3-4 small potatoes, quartered
*1 onion, chopped
*3 cloves garlic, chopped
*1-2 parsnips, chopped
*1-2 carrots, chopped
*3 celery ribs, chopped
*handful mushrooms, quartered
*oregano
*dried rosemary
*2 bay leaves
*sea salt
*pepper
*3 Tbsp flour for thickening
*chopped parsley for garnish

Rinse and dry chuck roast. Rub enough oregano, rosemary, sea salt and pepper onto roast to coat. Set aside. Chop all vegetables. Sear all sides of roast in heavy skillet over medium heat, about 2 minutes per side. Place in crockpot. Add chopped vegetables, bay leaves and garlic. Add wine. Add enough stock to cover all contents.

Let stew cook in crockpot overnight or for at least 8-10 hours. I like to start this dish in the evening and let it cook until the following night about 24 hours. It is very nice to come in from work the next day and dinner is done. Although, I believe it was borderline animal cruelty allowing my dog to smell this stew simmering all day.

1 hour before serving, remove 1/2 cup stock and place in a jar with lid. Add flour and shake until all flour is dissolved. Add back to crockpot and stir. This will thicken stew. Salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.

*maybe drizzle just a little of the broth over your dog's kibble for being so patient!