Sofia'S Stew - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. lean stew meat, cut in 1 1/2-inch cubes
salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 Tbsp. butter
6 x 1-inch strips fresh orange zest
12 small boiling onions, peeled
1/4 c. condensed beef broth (undiluted)
1/2 c. brandy
1 large clove garlic, minced
6 carrots, peeled and cut in 2 x 1/4-inch slices
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon peel, grated

Preparation

Brown meat in butter.
Add orange zest.
Arrange onions around meat.
Stir broth, 1/2 of brandy and garlic and pour over the meat.
Cover and cook slowly for about 2 1/2 hours.
Do not stir. Add carrots, tucking them under the meat.
Cover and simmer for 1/2 hour.
Gently stir in parsley, lemon peel and rest of brandy. Salt for taste.
Ladle into soup bowls.
Serve with hot French bread, a green salad and a good Burgundy.