MEDITERRANEAN BEEF RAGOUT

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp dried thyme leaves, crumbled

1 tsp grated lemon zest, optional

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cracked black peppercorns

2 lb (1 kg) trimmed stewing beef, cut into 1” cubes

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

2 onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp cumin seeds toasted

1 cup beef stock

1/2 cup dry red wine

1 can 398 ml diced tomatoes, including juice

2 bay leaves

2 roasted red bell peppers, thinly sliced, then cut into 1” pieces

1/2 cup sliced pitted green olives

1/2 cup finely chopped parsley

Combine flour, thyme, lemon zest, salt and peppercorns. Add beef and toss until evenly coated. Set aside, shaking any excess flour from beef and reserving.

In a skillet, heat 1 Tbsp of the oil over medium-high heat for 30 seconds. Add beef, in batches, and cook, stirring, adding more oil as necessary, until browned, about 4 minutes per batch. Transfer to slow cooker stoneware.

Reduce heat to medium. Add onions and garlic to pan and cook, stirring, until onions are softened, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with toasted cumin and flour mixture and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add beef stock, wine, tomatoes with juice and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add to slow cooker and stir well.

Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or on High for 4 hours, until mixture is bubbly and beef is tender. Stir in roasted peppers, olives and parsley. Cover and cook on High for 15 minutes, until peppers are heated through. Discard bay leaves.

Serves 8.

The Healthy Slow Cooker, Judith Finlayson, page 168