Irish Beef and Guinness Stew

A perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

2 lbs. beef stew meat

3 Tbsp. oil

2 Tbsp. flour

salt and pepper

1 pinch cayenne pepper

2 large onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, crushed

2 Tbsp. tomato paste

1 1/2 c. Guinness stout beer

2 c. carrot, cut into chunks

1 sprig fresh thyme

Cut meat into cubes, coat in 1 Tbsp. oil.  Stir together the flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne.  Toss the meat into the flour mixture to coat.  Heat the remaining oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.  Add the beef and brown on all sides.  Add the onion and garlic.  Stir the tomato paste into a small amount of water (to dilute); pour into the pan, stir to blend, cover and cook gently for about 5 minutes.  Pour 1/2 c. beer into the pan, and as it begins to boil, scrape any bits of food from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.  Pour in the rest of the beer, and add the carrots and thyme.  Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.