Slow Cooker Spiced Beef Stew

Old Man Winter seems to be a little confused. Either that or Mother Nature is messing with him. Today (or the day this post published) is the first day of winter – December 22, 2016. What is the temperature here in Atlanta? It is mid-60’s and getting warmer to be close to 80 degrees on Christmas. It’s certainly not winter-like. At least it was chilly the other day when I made Slow Cooker Spiced Beef Stew.

Winter and stew go hand-in-hand. It’s why I got out my trusty old Rival Crock Pot on a day when frost covered the ground. And when I say old crock pot, I mean old, as in 30+ years. It and my blender just keep on working like the day I got them. I should name them because they’ve been around for so long.

I made Slow Cooker Spiced Beef Stew for several reasons. First was the spices. The season calls out for them. It think it is a way to flavor up a dull grey day. Next reason is apricot. It intrigued me as to how it would taste with beef. It matches wonderfully. I need to explore it more. The last reason is this stew is not tomato-y. Something different than the usual was in order.

How does the stew taste? It is quite beefy with a slight tang. The spices are more of an accent. The flavor reminds me of Caribbean or other tropical dishes I’ve had before. It’s probably because of the cumin. Serve it over couscous, especially pearl (Israeli) type. Or serve it over rice for a gluten-free option.

Are you ready for winter’s arrival? I’m ready for it to be over. Then comes spring, my favorite season. Until then I can at least brighten wintertime with flavors and spices.  A little citrus helps too, like with Triple Lemon Bundt Cake or Frosted Orange Cookies.

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Slow Cooker Spiced Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Spiced Beef Stew with carrots, onion, olives, and garlic plus a flavorful mix of spices. Serve over couscous or rice.

Course Main

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Author Renee Dobbs

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 4 medium carrots cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3/4 cup dried apricots quartered
• 1/2 cup onion chopped
• 1/2 cup queen pimento-stuffed green olives quartered
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 1/2 pounds lean beef stew meat cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked couscous Pearl/Israeli recommended
• Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Whisk together wine, vinegar, ginger, cumin, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper in a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Add carrots, apricots, onion, olives, garlic, and beef. Toss to combine.
3. Cover and cook until beef is tender and cooked through, about 6 to 7 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high.
4. Prepare couscous according to package instructions.
5. Divide couscous into serving bowls. Top with stew. Garnish with parsley or cilantro if desired.

Recipe Notes

Slow Cooker Spiced Beef Stew with carrots, onion, olives, and garlic plus a flavorful mix of spices. Serve over couscous or rice.

Recipe adapted from one in the Woman’s Day magazine December 2013 edition.