Beef Stew with Leeks and Beer

This has a sweet note that is unexpected in a beef stew. It's interesting.


1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 pounds sirloin tips or round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups thinly sliced leek (about 4 large)
3 1/2 cups quartered mushrooms (about 8 ounces)
2 cups (1/4-inch-thick) sliced carrot
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14 1/4-ounce) can fat-free beef broth
1 (12-ounce) bottle light beer
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar


Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half of the beef; cook 5 minutes or until browned, turning occasionally. Remove from pan. Repeat procedure with remaining beef. Add leek and mushrooms to pan; sauté 3 minutes. Return beef to pan; stir in carrot and next 6 ingredients (carrot through beer). Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 2 hours or until beef is tender.

Combine cornstarch and vinegar in a small bowl. Add cornstarch mixture to beef mixture; bring to a boil. Cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly.



--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine