INGREDIENTS:

3lb of braising steak, cut into cubes
(kidney - optional )
Olive oil
2 onion coarsely chopped
2 or 3 clove garlic, minced
3 tbsp plain flour
1 cup red wine apprx
2 cups knorr chicken stock
2 bay leaves
1/2tsp dried thyme
1tsp dried basil
4 carrots, chopped
salt & pepper to taste

METHOD:
Place beef in large bowl, pat dry with paper towel, and season with salt and pepper. Heat a strong frying pan to steaming hot, then add the oil. After a few seconds add the beef. In 2 batches if necessary. Sear meat very well on both sides for about 5 mins. Tip the meat into the crockpot. Now add the onion to the frying pan adding more oil if needed. Saute until soft. 4-5 mins. Reduce heat and add garlic. Continue to saute about 30secs longer. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, 1to2 mins. Add wine, scraping up any browned bits that may be stuck in the pan. Add stock, bay leaves, thyme and basil. Bring to simmer and then transfer to the crock pot. Add seasonings and set for low or high.

Mushrooms, turnip, swede, may be included in this recipe if required.

************************************