Simple beef stew recipe for #HealthyRedMeat Challenge with BritMums

Ever since L started her weaning journey 2,5 years ago I have tried to experiment with what I can and can't cook, mainly unsuccessful but I have found few recipes that work for me. As we are trying to eat healthier this year our weekly menu would consist of different types of meat or fish which are cooked either by my husband or myself.

Few weeks ago I have been offered to take part in Healthy Red Meat Challenge, sponsored by the Meat Advisory Panel as a way of encouraging kids and their parents to use "one of the healthiest, tastiest and most versatile ingredients- lean red meat, which experts recommend to include in children’s diet from weaning onwards".

Dr Emma Derbyshire, a public health nutritionist and mother, says: “Including a small portion of red meat in the diet a few times a week after weaning can help to bridge nutrient gaps and so help to maintain good health through childhood and beyond.”

I would like to share with you today one of my husband's all time favourite recipe cooked by myself- beef stew. It is something I have been cooking on a weekly basis as a traditional Saturday dinner meal regardless of the temperature outside. With L being fussy eater it is tough to predict if she is going to eat all the veg and the meat together, normally I would separate meat from the stew and give it to her with buckwheat but she did surprise us few times. 

So here is how I cook our Saturday beef stew (approx. cooking time 3 hours):

- chop (peeled) vegetables (1 carrot, 1 parsnip, half of stick leek)

- add a cube of vegetable stock into a large pan or casserole dish
- boil full kettle of water and add to the pan
- whilst the cube is dissolving in water, I slightly fry diced beef (can be purchased in major supermarkets, but for this campaign I have purchased meat and veg in Tesco) in a second pan and add it to the large pan with vegetables
- add more water and half of tin of chickpeas
- 2 hours later I add 1-2 peeled and cubed potatoes to the stew and let it gently boil until its done for an hour or so.

I don't tend to add anymore seasoning or cornflower as by the time beef stew is cooked it looks thick enough to eat as it is, and would only sprinkle a little bit of pepper to add a slight kick to the meal.

Such a simple meal but full of goodness and suitable for those who don't tend to cook on a daily basis.

Disclaimer: I was provided with £10 Tesco voucher to spend on red meat and to create the recipe.

“This post is an entry for the BritMums #HealthyRedMeat, sponsored by the Meat Advisory Panel.