Beef Stew With Mashed Potatoes - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 stalks celery, sliced
1 None large onion, cut into wedges
1 cup red wine
1 1/4 cups dried apricots, roughly chopped
1 None bay leaf
4 sprigs fresh oregano
2 tbsp olive oil
3 1/3 lb chuck steak, trimmed, cubed
3 tbsp flour, seasoned
3 cups beef stock
10 None button mushrooms
6 None large potatoes, peeled
1 cup milk
3 1/2 tbsp butter

Preparation

Preheat to 325\u00b0F. Combine celery, onion, wine, apricots and herbs. Set aside 30 mins.
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Dredge meat in flour, shaking off excess. Working in batches, brown meat for 3-4 mins. Set aside. Add wine mixture to pan and cook, stirring, for 2-3 min, until celery is tender. Return meat to pan and cook, stirring, for 1-2 mins. Add stock and bring to a boil. Cover then transfer to oven to braise for around 1 1/2 hours.
Add mushrooms. Return to oven and cook, covered, for another 20-25 mins, until meat is tender.
For mashed potatoes, boil potatoes in salted water for 20-25 mins, until tender. Drain and mash with milk and butter. Season and serve with beef stew.