This recipe, like the story it comes from, works best when shared. Each ingredient represents a contribution from a caring neighbor, and the wonder lies not in any single addition, but in the coming together of many gifts.
Ingredients
- 3 clean, smooth stones (for tradition)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed (from Lord Magnanimous)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (from Mr. Placid)
- 1 large onion, chopped (from The Amicable Twins)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (from Mr. Veracity)
- 4 large potatoes, cubed (from Mrs. Stalwart)
- 4 carrots, sliced (from Miss Benevolent)
- 3 bay leaves (from Old Sagacious)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (from Miss Punctilious)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (from Dame Harbinger)
- 8 cups water or broth
- 1 cup peas (from Little Timorous)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (from Mrs. Congenial)
- Crusty bread for serving (from Young Gallant)
Instructions
- Place your three clean stones in a large pot as a reminder of what brings us together.
- Heat the pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Brown the beef cubes on all sides, working in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the celery, onion, and garlic until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then add the potatoes and carrots.
- Pour in the water or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Return the beef to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours, until beef is tender.
- In the final 10 minutes, add the peas and stir in the fresh parsley.
- Serve in deep bowls with crusty bread, surrounded by good company.
- Remember to remove the stones before serving... they've done their work of bringing everyone together.
The wonder was never in the stones... it was in the gathering, and in the gifts we each brought to share.
Read the story that inspired this recipe:
The wonder was never in the stones...